UK regulators target illegal p2p crypto trading in London
Summary
UK regulators have conducted operations targeting three London premises suspected of illegal peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading, issuing cease-and-desist letters to the involved operators. This action is part of a broader effort by UK authorities to disrupt unregistered crypto trading activities, which could potentially facilitate money laundering. In light of these developments, the UK is also advancing a new regulatory framework for cryptoassets, providing guidance to help firms prepare for forthcoming authorization requirements.
Analysis
UK regulators: UK regulators, led by the Financial Conduct Authority alongside partners such as HM Revenue & Customs and the Metropolitan Police, oversee financial services, markets, and anti-money laundering compliance in the United Kingdom. They enforce registration requirements for crypto-related businesses to mitigate financial crime risks. In this development, they conducted targeted operations issuing cease-and-desist letters to operators of suspected illegal peer-to-peer crypto trading premises in London. Regulation: The UK is advancing a new cryptoasset regulatory framework with guidance recently issued to help firms prepare for upcoming authorization requirements. Enforcement: UK authorities continue coordinated operations to disrupt unregistered peer-to-peer crypto trading activities that could facilitate money laundering.
Categories
crypto
Related sources
- https://www.theblock.co/news/regulation/2026-06-29-uk-sets-capital-market-abuse-rules-landmark-crypto-framework-406546
- https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/crypto-firms-get-guidance-how-new-regime-applies
- https://www.lse.co.uk/news/uk-watchdog-targets-three-london-sites-suspected-of-illegal-crypto-trading-rqzhf163k1sf3jh.html
- https://www.marketscreener.com/news/uk-watchdog-targets-three-london-sites-in-latest-crackdown-on-illegal-crypto-trading-ce785bd3db80f720
- https://www.reuters.com/world/uk-watchdog-targets-three-london-sites-latest-crackdown-illegal-crypto-trading-2026-09-17/
- https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-and-partners-continues-crackdown-illegal-crypto-trading
- https://www.fca.org.uk/news/press-releases/fca-leads-first-crackdown-illegal-crypto-trading