UK Government Moving to Restrict Cryptocurrency Promotions

The U.K. government is looking to increase oversight into cryptocurrency promotions in order to protect investors.

• HM Treasury said Monday it was looking to clamp down on "misleading and inadequate promotions" that endangered retail investors.
• Brought forward by John Glen, the City Minister responsible for the U.K.'s financial services sector, the proposals, published Monday, call for companies to pass through a "regulatory gateway" before being approved to promote cryptocurrency products.
• This follows a 2018 report from the government's "Cryptoassets Taskforce," which said misleading advertisements and promotions for cryptocurrency products was a key investor protection issue.
• Under the proposals, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) would become the body responsible for overseeing digital asset promotions.
• Any firm looking to approve the financial promotions from unauthorized firms would first need to have the consent of the FCA.
• In a statement, Glen said existing regulation had failed to keep up with the expanding number of products coming to market.
• He added the proposals would bring crypto product promotions up to the same levels as those for other asset-classes.
• The proposals are currently in the consultation phase, which will continue until Oct. 25.

See also: UK Financial Watchdog Warns Crypto Firms to Register Before End of June