Asset explainers

Plain-English introductions to Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, NFTs and other token types under UK law.

• Bitcoin

  What bitcoin is, how UK tax and FCA rules apply, and what to know before buying BTC in the United Kingdom.

• Ethereum

  What ether (ETH) is, staking considerations for UK tax, and how FCA rules apply to Ethereum-related services.

• Stablecoins

  What stablecoins are, how the Bank of England and FCA approach regulation, and UK tax when swapping stablecoins.

• NFTs

  Non-fungible tokens in the UK — tax on buying and selling NFTs, FCA perimeter issues, and copyright basics.

• XRP

  What XRP is, how UK tax applies, and what to check before buying through an FCA-registered platform.

• Solana

  What Solana is, staking tax considerations, and UK regulatory context for SOL holders.

• Digital pound

  What the Bank of England's digital pound proposal is, how it differs from crypto, and the current consultation status.

• Tokenised securities

  When digital tokens represent shares or bonds, FCA regulation applies — and tax follows the underlying asset.

• Stablecoin risks

  Why stablecoins can fail despite ‘stable’ marketing — TerraUSD, reserves and upcoming UK rules.