Share this article

The UK Bans Crypto Derivatives

The crypto industry reacts to a big move from the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority, which banned crypto derivatives.

Updated Sep 14, 2021, 10:05 a.m. Published Oct 6, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Breakdown 10.6

The crypto industry reacts to a big move from the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters

For more episodes and free early access before our regular 3 p.m. Eastern time releases, subscribe with Apple PodcastsSpotifyPocketcastsGoogle PodcastsCastboxStitcherRadioPublicaiHeartRadio or RSS.

This episode is sponsored by Crypto.comNexo.io and Elliptic.

Today on the Brief:

  • John McAfee arrested in Spain
  • BTC addresses added spikes to two-year high
  • A new election-market narrative emerges

Our main discussion: The U.K. has banned crypto derivatives.

Just days after the U.S. announced significant action involving BitMEX, the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority has made its own move to stop crypto derivatives.

In this episode, NLW breaks down what actually happened, and looks at the reactions from the crypto industry including:

  • Accusations of hypocrisy
  • Skepticism of enforceability
  • Why it might actually be good for bitcoin

See also: FCA Bans Crypto Derivatives for Retail Consumers in UK

For more episodes and free early access before our regular 3 p.m. Eastern time releases, subscribe with Apple PodcastsSpotifyPocketcastsGoogle PodcastsCastboxStitcherRadioPublicaiHeartRadio or RSS.

Note: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of CoinDesk, Inc. or its owners and affiliates.

More For You

State of the Blockchain 2025

State of the Blockchain 16:9

L1 tokens broadly underperformed in 2025 despite a backdrop of regulatory and institutional wins. Explore the key trends defining ten major blockchains below.

What to know:

2025 was defined by a stark divergence: structural progress collided with stagnant price action. Institutional milestones were reached and TVL increased across most major ecosystems, yet the majority of large-cap Layer-1 tokens finished the year with negative or flat returns.

This report analyzes the structural decoupling between network usage and token performance. We examine 10 major blockchain ecosystems, exploring protocol versus application revenues, key ecosystem narratives, mechanics driving institutional adoption, and the trends to watch as we head into 2026.

More For You

Bitcoin sinks below $87,000 as crypto assets slide, metals soar post-Xmas

Red arrows pointing down falling drop (Getty Images)

Gold, silver, platinum and copper all surged to new records as metals — not bitcoin — attracted capital on the debasement trade and geopolitical tension.

What to know:

  • Major cryptocurrencies and crypto stocks slid in early U.S. trade Friday, with bitcoin slipping back below $87,000 and bitcoin miners down 5% or more across the board.
  • Gold, silver and other metals surged, with geopolitical concerns adding to the debasement trade.