UK Crypto Ad Restrictions: What You Can and Can't Say About Crypto in the UK

When it comes to promoting cryptocurrency in the UK, UK crypto ad restrictions, rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority to prevent misleading crypto marketing. Also known as crypto advertising rules UK, these guidelines are designed to stop companies from making false promises about returns, hiding risks, or targeting vulnerable people with flashy ads. The Financial Conduct Authority, the UK’s main financial regulator that enforces crypto advertising rules. Also known as FCA, it has cracked down hard on crypto firms that use hype, celebrity endorsements, or fake guarantees to lure investors. Since 2020, the FCA has blocked over 200 crypto ads and forced platforms to pull campaigns that promised easy profits or downplayed the chance of losing everything.

These rules aren’t just about stopping scams—they’re about forcing honesty. If a company wants to advertise crypto in the UK, it must be authorized by the FCA. That means no unregulated exchanges, no anonymous token promoters, and no ads that say things like "guaranteed returns" or "risk-free investment." Even using influencers to push crypto without clear risk warnings can get you fined or banned. The FCA also bans ads that make crypto look like a normal savings product—no more comparing Bitcoin to a bank account. And if you’re a UK resident, you can’t legally be targeted by crypto ads from overseas platforms unless they’re registered with the FCA. This is why you don’t see Binance or Bybit running TV ads here anymore.

What’s left? Only clean, factual ads that spell out the risks clearly. Think: "Crypto is volatile. You could lose all your money. Only invest what you can afford to lose." That’s it. No flashing lights, no celebrity smiles, no countdown timers for "limited-time offers." The FCA wants you to make a decision based on facts, not emotion. This has forced many crypto projects to rethink their entire marketing strategy—some even stopped UK campaigns entirely. But for users, it means fewer scams, fewer fake promises, and less pressure to jump in before it’s "too late."

Below, you’ll find real examples of what’s happened when crypto companies ignored these rules, how UK users are affected, and what alternatives exist for those trying to navigate this tight regulatory environment. From failed airdrops to unlicensed exchanges caught in the crosshairs, the posts here show exactly how these restrictions play out on the ground.