London Unchains Crypto — UK Lifts Retail Ban on Bitcoin & Ethereum ETPs

Four years later, the FCA finally flips — and Britain’s financial capital just became crypto-friendly again.

⚡ Quick Hits

• 💥 FCA lifts 4-year ban on retail crypto ETPs
• 💸 UK investors can now buy Bitcoin ($108K) and Ethereum ($3.8K) via the London Stock Exchange
• 🏦 BlackRock, 21Shares, and WisdomTree launch new crypto products
• 📅 FCA to roll out full digital-asset regulations by 2026
• 🇬🇧 London positions itself as Europe’s next digital-finance hub

🏛️ From Ban to Breakthrough

In a stunning policy reversal, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reopened the gates for crypto investing — letting retail investors buy Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products (ETPs) directly from the London Stock Exchange.

That’s right: after four long years of restrictive bans, everyday investors can finally access crypto through regulated, tax-efficient accounts like ISAs and SIPPs.

Bitcoin currently trades around $108,014, Ethereum near $3,887, and with this move, London just signaled it’s ready to compete head-to-head with New York, Zurich, and Singapore in digital-asset innovation.

📈 Global Momentum, Local Shift

The FCA’s 2021 ban was once seen as protectionist — a way to “shield” retail traders from volatility and scams. But global sentiment evolved. The U.S., Canada, and EU have already embraced Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, proving that regulation and innovation can coexist.

Now, the UK is catching up — and asset managers smell blood in the water.

• 21Shares launched four new ETPs on the LSE with flexible fee tiers.

  “A landmark step for retail investors who had been excluded,” said CEO Russell Barlow.

• WisdomTree followed with its own Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs, stressing transparency and investor trust.

  “The LSE listing shows growing maturity in the ecosystem,” noted Alexis Marinof, Head of Europe.

• And yes — BlackRock dropped its iShares Bitcoin ETP in London, mirroring its global lineup. The firm expects up to 4 million UK crypto investors by 2026.

Even Bitwise pivoted strategy, cutting management fees to stay competitive in Europe’s heating ETP market.

🔮 The Road to Regulation

The FCA’s greenlight is just the opening scene. By 2026, the watchdog plans to introduce comprehensive crypto regulations covering:

• 🪙 Stablecoins
• 💱 Lending and custody
• 📜 Market conduct and transparency

This new framework aims to align London with EU and North American standards — making it a global benchmark for regulated digital finance.

The message is loud and clear: crypto isn’t leaving London — it’s being institutionalized.

🧠 Bigger Picture

London’s move marks a historic turning point for European crypto. After years of caution, the UK is finally leaning into Web3 finance — not just as a trend, but as infrastructure.

The FCA’s reversal bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, giving millions of retail investors access to Bitcoin and Ethereum through familiar, regulated channels.

Investor confidence is back. Innovation is welcome. And London? It just rebranded itself as the world’s most progressive financial capital — again.

TL;DR

• 🇬🇧 FCA ends 4-year ban, allowing retail access to Bitcoin & Ethereum ETPs
• 💼 21Shares, WisdomTree, and BlackRock all launched crypto funds on the LSE
• 🪙 FCA promises full digital-asset rules by 2026 (covering stablecoins & lending)
• 📊 BlackRock predicts 4M UK retail crypto investors by 2026
• 🌍 London reclaims its status as Europe’s crypto-finance leader