Coinbase has received certification from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority to operate as a registered virtual asset service provider (VASP). This license improves its position as the UK’s largest registered cryptocurrency exchange, allowing it to provide more services to both individual and institutional investors.
The FCA’s permission allows Coinbase to handle crypto-to-fiat transfers, which is a big step forward in its worldwide expansion. Coinbase’s largest market outside of the United States is now the United Kingdom, and the exchange is preparing to capitalize on the country’s growing interest in digital assets.
This registration is the first addition to the FCA’s list of crypto asset enterprises in 2025, and it comes after a recent wave of regulatory scrutiny in the sector. Coinbase’s permission comes after the FCA concluded an investigation into its UK-based payments company, which resulted in a fine for compliance violations. Since then, the exchange has improved its regulatory framework to ensure compliance with UK financial requirements.
The UK government aims to become a major hub for cryptocurrency innovation, with ambitions to implement a full legal framework by 2026. A recent study found that digital asset adoption is on the rise, with an increasing number of UK investors devoting assets to cryptocurrencies. This development is consistent with Coinbase’s strategic objective to grow its footprint in important global regions.
In addition to its UK certification, Coinbase has been actively expanding throughout Europe. The exchange has already obtained licenses in Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands, demonstrating its dedication to regulatory compliance. Beyond Europe, Coinbase is looking into opportunities in Southeast Asia, meeting with financial executives in countries like the Philippines and Thailand to discuss future market entry.
As Coinbase expands globally, this latest milestone demonstrates the company’s commitment to increasing the adoption of digital assets while maintaining high regulatory standards. With a stronger footprint in the UK and elsewhere, the exchange is well-positioned to impact the future of cryptocurrency acceptance globally.
