All / United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The three verdicts below apply to promoting platforms to people living in United Kingdom. This is a directional summary, not legal advice.

Crypto exchange

Do not

Section 21 FSMA 2000: an unauthorised person may not communicate a financial promotion unless its content is approved by an authorised person. Breach is criminal, up to 2 years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Cryptoassets came into scope on 8 Oct 2023. The FCA has brought High Court proceedings naming social-media promoters as defendants and obtained permission to serve out of the jurisdiction on 4 Feb 2026 — an offshore entity is not a shield.

US stock broker

Do not

Same s.21 regime. Do not enter without a contracted authorised approver.

Forex / CFD

Do not

Nine people have been charged under s.21 over an unauthorised FX and CFD scheme.