Retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes has
returned to the UK after the Financial Conduct Authority lifted its ban on the
products, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to digital
asset investing.
The move introduces new distribution opportunities for
firms but comes with tighter restrictions aimed at reducing investor harm. Crypto
ETNs (cETNs) can now be offered to retail investors when listed on the FCA’s
Official List and traded on a UK-recognized investment Exchange.
Restricted Mass Investments
The regulator had reportedly assessed prospectuses in
anticipation of the 8 October policy change to allow a faster rollout of new
products. cETNs now fall under the category of Restricted Mass Market
Investments, which means financial promotion rules apply.
Firms must avoid investment incentives, run
clear appropriateness tests, categorize clients correctly, apply cooling-off
periods, and display strong risk warnings. The Consumer Duty also applies. Firms must show they
act in good faith, avoid foreseeable harm, and support customers’ financial
goals.
The Financial Conduct Authority lifted the ban on retail
access to cETNs this month. According to the regulator, retail investors can
now access the products only if they are listed on FCA-recognized UK investment
exchanges.
The FCA expects firms to define a clear target market,
ensure the design of the product matches the needs of that audience, and take
steps to prevent mis-distribution. Fair value assessments will form part of the
oversight.
Another key obligation is ensuring investors receive timely and understandable information. Firms must show that their products and
communications enable informed decision-making.
Preparing to Enter the Market
Firms that need authorization or permissions to offer
cETNs can request a pre-application meeting through the regulator’s support
service. The FCA is also moving ahead with wider crypto regulation.
It recently published a consultation (CP25/25) on how
its Handbook should apply to regulated crypto asset activities and shared its
longer-term crypto regulatory roadmap outlining plans to bring crypto assets
into the supervised perimeter.
The re-entry of crypto ETNs into the retail space
marks a significant step in the UK’s evolving approach to digital assets. For
firms, it may be an opportunity, but only if they can meet the FCA’s
heightened consumer protection expectations.
This article was written by Jared Kirui at www.financemagnates.com.
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