CEX.IO secures FCA registration under UK anti-money laundering framework

CEX.IO, a cryptocurrency exchange with more than 15 million users globally, has announced that its UK entity, CEX.IO Markets UK Limited, has secured registration with the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations (MLRs).

According to the announcement shared with Finbold on Thursday, March 12, the registration brings the company under the FCA’s supervision within the United Kingdom’s regulatory framework for cryptoasset activities.

UK users to be served by locally registered entity

Following the registration, all existing and newly onboarded UK customers will be served through the UK-registered entity. With its inclusion on the FCA’s official register, CEX.IO said it can establish deeper partnerships with UK banks, potentially reducing the likelihood of blocked deposits or flagged withdrawals.

The company plans to migrate its UK user base in phases to ensure a smooth transition. Customers will receive in-app notifications asking them to accept updated UK-specific terms. CEX.IO said the process is not expected to affect users’ existing asset portfolios or interrupt their trading activity.

Operating through a locally registered entity also means that the platform’s cryptoasset activities for UK users will fall fully within the country’s anti-money laundering and financial crime framework.

The UK is widely considered one of the more rigorous regulatory environments for digital assets. According to FCA data cited in the announcement, historically about 15% of applicants have successfully met the regulator’s requirements.

With the registration, CEX.IO joins a group of firms that have met the FCA’s standards for financial crime prevention and consumer protection. 

Registered firms are also permitted to communicate qualifying cryptoasset financial promotions to UK consumers under the country’s updated 2026 regulatory standards, which require communications to remain fair, clear, and focused on consumer protection.

Featured image via Shutterstock.