Independent UK guidance
The UK guide to owning digital assets — tax, regulation, and safe custody.
Never owned crypto? Start with our plain-English basics. When you are ready, read simple guides on tax, staying safe, and UK rules — all checked against gov.uk, HMRC and FCA sources.
Information only · Not financial advice · Last reviewed June 2026
New here?
No jargon — start with the basics
We explain blockchain, wallets and bitcoin in everyday language before you read anything about tax or regulation.
Start here
Essential guides
The basics
What are digital assets?
Plain-English introduction for people who have never owned crypto.
Tax & HMRC
Crypto tax guide 2026/27
Canonical UK tax reference with worked examples and SA108 filing.
FCA & regulation
Landmark rules explained
FCA final rules June 2026 — capital, market integrity and timeline.
FCA & regulation
Check FCA register
Step-by-step verification before you send money to any firm.
Buying digital assets
How to buy crypto
Buy safely with pounds on FCA-registered platforms.
Scams & fraud
All scam types
Hub covering clone firms, recovery fraud and social media traps.
Topics
Guide categories
The basics
New to digital assets? Start here — plain-English explanations with no jargon.
Tax & HMRC
Capital Gains Tax, Income Tax, Self Assessment and record-keeping for UK cryptoasset holders.
FCA & regulation
How the Financial Conduct Authority regulates crypto firms, promotions and consumer protection in the UK.
Buying digital assets
Using FCA-registered exchanges, understanding risks, and what UK law requires of providers.
Storage & custody
Hot wallets, cold storage, exchanges and inheritance — keeping cryptoassets secure under UK law.
Scams & fraud
Recognising crypto scams, reporting to Action Fraud and recovering funds where UK rules allow.
Asset explainers
Plain-English introductions to Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, NFTs and other token types under UK law.
Wills & inheritance
Digital assets in your will, Inheritance Tax and what executors need to know under UK law.
Regional notes
Scotland, Wales and other UK regional differences for tax and language.
Quick answers
Common questions
Do I pay tax on crypto in the UK?
You may owe Capital Gains Tax when you sell, swap or spend crypto, and Income Tax on staking, mining or employment paid in tokens.
What is CARF?
UK crypto providers report customer transaction data to HMRC from 2026. You still file your own Self Assessment.
What are the FCA landmark rules?
Final rules on 30 June 2026 set capital, market integrity and stablecoin standards. Full authorisation mandatory from 25 October 2027.
Do I report if proceeds exceed £50,000?
You may need to report even if gains are within the £3,000 allowance when total proceeds exceed £50,000 in a tax year.
What is the best crypto tax software?
Choose tools that apply UK Section 104 pooling — compare nine options on our software matrix page.
Is crypto protected by FSCS?
No. FSCS bank deposit protection does not cover crypto held on exchanges.
Updates
News & regulation
UK crypto authorisation rules — June 2026 update
Regulatory milestone (30 June 2026): The FCA published final crypto firm rules with an authorisation window from September 2026 to February 2027 and a mandatory regime from October 2027. Regulation improves firm standards; it does not guarantee token prices. Read our explainer and the gov.uk source for official dates.
Systemic stablecoin regulation — UK authorities joint approach
Stablecoin policy (30 June 2026): UK authorities set out joint Bank of England and FCA oversight for payment-focused stablecoins that could pose systemic risk. Holders should still treat stablecoins as risky — not FSCS-protected bank deposits. See our stablecoin guides and the gov.uk joint statement.
Full UK crypto regulatory regime — 2027 timeline
Regulatory milestone: Parliament brought crypto activities into UK financial regulation and firms face a defined authorisation timeline ending in late 2027. Use Firm Checker before transferring money — authorisation improves standards, not investment returns. Our timeline guide explains consumer-facing dates.
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Support Digital AssetsFAQ
What is a digital asset?
Something valuable that exists online — like bitcoin or a digital collectible. You can own it, send it or sell it through an app. It is not the same as pounds in your bank.
Is Digital Assets free?
Yes. Every guide is free to read with no sign-up. We publish general information only — not regulated financial advice.
Do you give personal financial advice?
No. For a personal recommendation, speak to an FCA-regulated adviser or contact MoneyHelper for free guidance.
When will crypto be fully regulated in the UK?
The FCA set final rules on 30 June 2026. Full authorisation is mandatory from 25 October 2027. Firms apply between 30 September 2026 and 28 February 2027.
Can I lose all my money?
Yes. Crypto prices can collapse. Scams are common. There is usually no compensation if something goes wrong.