OANDA Gets Green Light to Offer Crypto Trading in the UK

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The global landscape of cryptocurrency regulation continues to evolve, and one major player is making strategic moves to align with stricter oversight. OANDA, the U.S.-based financial services provider, has officially received approval to launch crypto trading services in the United Kingdom through its newly established subsidiary, OANDA Crypto. This development marks a significant milestone in the company’s international expansion and highlights its commitment to operating within highly regulated markets.

A Strategic Entry into the UK Crypto Market

OANDA’s entry into the UK crypto space isn’t just a business decision—it’s a calculated move toward regulatory compliance and long-term sustainability. The new platform will initially support trading across 63 cryptocurrency pairs, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). With plans to expand its offerings over the coming years, OANDA aims to deliver a robust, secure, and compliant trading experience tailored to UK investors.

The launch is powered by OANDA Crypto, a dedicated subsidiary formed after OANDA acquired a majority stake in Coinpass, a firm already registered with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This acquisition provided OANDA with a crucial regulatory foothold, enabling it to bypass lengthy registration processes and fast-track its market entry.

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Regulatory Compliance as a Competitive Advantage

While many crypto firms have retreated from the UK due to tightening rules, OANDA is stepping forward—turning regulatory challenges into opportunities. Since October 2023, the FCA has enforced stricter guidelines for crypto advertising and customer risk disclosures. These rules require all virtual asset service providers to be fully registered and to clearly communicate investment risks to users.

In fact, the FCA issued 450 consumer warnings between October 8 and December 31, 2023, targeting companies violating these new promotional standards. High-profile platforms like Bybit and Revolut temporarily suspended their UK operations, citing the complexity and cost of compliance.

But OANDA sees things differently.

Lucian Lauerman, OANDA’s Head of Digital Assets, described the UK market as “an educated and active market” that aligns well with the company’s core values. He noted that the regulatory environment, while demanding, brings clarity and trust:

“The UK market is becoming more aligned with the regions we traditionally operate in. The standards are set slightly higher—and that’s a good thing.”

This perspective reflects a broader trend: institutional-grade crypto platforms are increasingly favoring regulation over deregulation, recognizing that legitimacy drives adoption.

Why Regulation Matters in Crypto Trading

The decision to enter a tightly regulated market like the UK underscores a shift in the crypto industry’s maturity. For years, decentralization was often equated with freedom from oversight. Today, however, trust, security, and compliance are becoming key differentiators for traders choosing where to invest.

Platforms operating under FCA oversight must adhere to strict anti-money laundering (AML) protocols, capital requirements, and transparency standards. For retail investors, this means greater protection against fraud, market manipulation, and platform insolvency.

Moreover, regulated platforms are more likely to integrate with traditional financial systems, enabling smoother fiat on-ramps, tax reporting tools, and insurance-backed custody solutions—all critical features for mainstream adoption.

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Expanding Footprint Across Europe and Beyond

OANDA’s UK launch is part of a larger European growth strategy. Recently, the company relocated its European operations from Malta to Warsaw, Poland, following the acquisition of Dom Maklerski TMS Brokers SA, which was rebranded as OANDA TMS. This shift strengthens its presence in Central Europe and provides access to a skilled financial technology workforce.

Additionally, OANDA had previously partnered with Paxos, a leading U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure firm, to launch crypto trading services in the American market over a year ago. That successful rollout laid the foundation for its current international expansion.

By establishing local entities in key jurisdictions—such as FCA-registered OANDA Crypto in the UK and NFA/CFTC-regulated operations in the U.S.—OANDA positions itself as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is OANDA Crypto regulated by the FCA?

Yes. OANDA Crypto operates under the registration of Coinpass, which is authorized by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). This allows OANDA to legally offer crypto trading services in the UK.

What cryptocurrencies can I trade on OANDA’s UK platform?

Initially, the platform supports over 63 crypto pairs, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other major altcoins. More tokens and trading features are expected to be added in the future.

Why did OANDA choose to expand into the UK despite strict rules?

OANDA views strong regulation as a competitive advantage. The UK market is mature, well-educated, and increasingly aligned with global financial standards—making it ideal for trusted, compliant crypto services.

How does FCA regulation protect crypto investors?

FCA rules mandate clear risk warnings, robust AML checks, transparent fee structures, and proper handling of client funds. These measures reduce fraud risks and increase confidence among retail investors.

Can U.S. customers use OANDA’s new UK crypto service?

No. The UK platform is designed specifically for residents of the United Kingdom. U.S. customers can access crypto trading through OANDA’s separate Paxos-powered service operating under American regulations.

Will OANDA add more features beyond spot trading?

While current offerings focus on spot trading, OANDA has indicated plans to expand functionality in the coming years, potentially including staking, derivatives, or yield-based products—subject to regulatory approval.

Final Thoughts: Building Trust Through Compliance

OANDA’s entry into the UK crypto market signals a broader transformation in the digital asset ecosystem. As regulators worldwide tighten oversight, only platforms committed to transparency and compliance will thrive.

Rather than avoiding scrutiny, OANDA embraces it—leveraging regulatory approval not just as a legal requirement, but as a badge of trustworthiness. In doing so, it sets a precedent for how crypto businesses can grow sustainably without compromising on integrity.

For investors navigating an increasingly complex landscape, choosing platforms like OANDA—backed by strong regulation and institutional experience—can make all the difference between speculative risk and informed opportunity.