- The FCA’s new rules for crypto asset marketing are set to take effect soon.
- Crypto firms, including those based overseas, must comply with the UK’s financial promotion regime.
- The new regulations aim to ensure that crypto promotions are above board.
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is stepping up to this challenge by introducing new rules for crypto asset marketing.
Set to take effect on October 8, 2023, these rules ensure that crypto promotions are fair, transparent, and not misleading.
FCA Warns Companies to Comply
On Tuesday, July 4, The agency sent a letter to crypto companies warning them about the upcoming regulations. From October 8, 2023, all firms marketing crypto assets to UK consumers, including those based overseas, must comply with the financial promotion regime.
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This regime is broad and technologically neutral, applying to various communications. These include websites, mobile apps, social media posts, and online advertising.
The new rules introduce a “cooling-off” period for first-time investors and ban “refer a friend” bonuses. Crypto firms must ensure people have the appropriate knowledge and experience to invest in crypto.
They must also place clear risk warnings and ensure their adverts are clear, fair, and not misleading. The FCA’s rules follow government legislation to bring crypto promotions into the regulator’s remit.
Potential Impact of FCA Rules in the UK
Introducing these new rules comes when crypto ownership in the UK has more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. According to the FCA, 20% of the UK population now owns crypto, up from 10% in 2021.
This increase in crypto adoption highlights the importance of precise and controlled advertising in raising awareness and increasing adoption.
On the Flipside
- While these new rules aim to protect consumers and ensure fair marketing practices, they pose challenges for crypto firms.
- The rules will apply to crypto firms in the UK and to all companies advertising to UK investors.
Why This Matters
For crypto traders, these rules potentially provide a safer environment for investing in crypto assets.
Read more about FCA’s policy toward crypto:
Ripple-Friendly FCA Aims to Work with Crypto Firms to Build Regulations
Read more about how regulation and security measures combat crypto scams:
