Coinbase Obtains UK Authorization for Derivatives and Equities Trading
The cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has obtained an investment services license in the United Kingdom, paving the way for equities and derivatives offerings while retail crypto derivative products continue to face restrictions.
The exchange platform Coinbase revealed it has obtained an investment services license in the United Kingdom, which will enable the company to broaden its domestic product range beyond spot trading capabilities to include offerings such as equities and derivatives products.
The announcement came on Tuesday, when Coinbase revealed the regulatory authorization will permit users in the UK to trade financial instruments in addition to cryptocurrency on the exchange. Advanced traders and institutional clients will be granted access to perpetual futures contracts linked to cryptocurrency, equities and commodities, whereas retail customers will gain the ability to trade equities.
According to the company's statement, this regulatory approval represents its most significant product expansion in the UK market since its initial entry, and it furthers the platform's ambition to create an "everything exchange" that integrates cryptocurrency and conventional financial assets within a unified platform. The company noted that subsequent product launches will continue to be contingent upon regulatory approvals and compliance with UK market regulations.
FCA research referenced by Coinbase suggests that approximately 7 million UK adults hold crypto assets. A quarter of UK adults who do not currently own crypto said they're more likely to participate under clearer regulation.
This regulatory authorization arrives in advance of the UK's forthcoming crypto regulatory framework, which is scheduled to begin accepting applications in September prior to its implementation in October 2027. The new regime will mandate that crypto trading platforms, custodians, stablecoin issuers, staking providers and other intermediaries secure FCA authorization.
The FCA did not comment before publication.
UK retail crypto derivatives remain restricted
The divergent product availability reflects FCA regulations that control retail customer access to crypto investment products. In 2021, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) banned the sale, marketing and distribution of derivatives and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) referencing certain crypto assets to retail consumers.
The FCA has since reopened retail access to certain crypto ETNs, with the change taking effect on Oct. 8, 2025.
Consequently, retail consumers can access crypto ETNs only if they are traded on an FCA-approved, UK-based Recognised Investment Exchange, while financial promotion rules and consumer protection requirements apply. However, the FCA said its ban on retail access to crypto derivatives remains in place.