CEX.IO Secures FCA MLR Registration in the UK

Global digital asset exchange CEX.IO announced today that its UK subsidiary, CEX.IO Markets UK Limited, has secured registration with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations (MLRs). The registration places the company under FCA supervision within the UK's dedicated framework for cryptoasset activities.

The exchange, which serves over 15 million users worldwide, will now serve both existing and new UK customers through a locally registered entity. According to the company, inclusion on the FCA's official register allows CEX.IO to establish deeper partnerships with UK banks, potentially reducing the frequency of blocked deposits or flagged withdrawals.

Migration of CEX.IO's UK user base will occur in phases to ensure a smooth transition. Customers will receive in-app notifications prompting them to accept new UK-specific terms. The company stated that the process is not expected to affect existing asset portfolios or interrupt trading activity.

Operating under a UK-registered entity means CEX.IO's cryptoasset activities for UK users will fall within the country's anti-money laundering and financial crime prevention framework.

“We aren’t just checking a box – we’re building a home for crypto in Britain,” said Rich Evans, Managing Director at CEX.IO. “By moving our UK users to a locally registered framework, we’re reinforcing and aligning local accountability with the high standards expected from any UK financial service. This registration lays a solid foundation for everything we plan to build in 2026 and beyond.”

The UK is considered one of the most rigorous regulatory environments for digital assets globally. According to FCA data, only about 15% of applicants historically have met the required standards. By securing this status, CEX.IO joins a select group of firms capable of meeting the FCA’s expectations for financial crime prevention and consumer protection. Registered firms also gain the ability to communicate their own qualifying cryptoasset financial promotions to UK consumers under updated 2026 regulatory standards, ensuring communications remain fair, clear, and consumer-focused.