Coinbase requires UK users fill out risk-acknowledgement form in light of FCA regulations

Quick Take

  • Coinbase has followed other exchanges in requiring its UK users to fill out a risk-acknowledgment form.
  • This comes ahead of financial promotions rules set out by the UK’s financial regulator.

Coinbase requires its UK users to tell the exchange what type of investor they are and complete a form confirming they understand the high-risk nature of crypto investments in light of guidelines from the UK's financial regulator.

The exchange said that users in the United Kingdom will need to complete both tasks to continue using their Coinbase accounts, according to an email seen by The Block.

"You also need to complete a short assessment designed to confirm that you understand the risks associated with investing in crypto assets, which are considered high-risk investments by the FCA. The Appropriateness Assessment is essential for helping us ensure that you're equipped to make informed investment decisions," the email said, referring to the risk assessment form.

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The measures come ahead of the Financial Conduct Authority's financial-promotions rules that come into force on Jan. 8. The rules have also resulted in exchanges providing more risk warnings on their platforms. Exchanges, including Coinbase and OKX, have been working with crypto exchange Archax to get their financial promotions approved. Other exchanges, such as Binance and Kraken, have enacted similar measures recently.


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© 2023 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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Tim is the Editor-In-Chief of The Block. Prior to joining The Block, Tim was a news editor at Decrypt. He has earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of York and studied news journalism at Press Association Training. Follow him on X @Timccopeland.

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