The FCA prohibits retail investors from trading crypto derivatives, including futures, to protect against high-risk exposure. To qualify as a professional investor and access these products, individuals must meet certain criteria, such as:
Executing at least 10 significant leveraged transactions per quarter over the last year.
Holding a portfolio of over €500,000.
Having experience in the financial sector for at least one year in a professional position.
If you meet these criteria, you may apply for professional status with the FCA. However, this process is complex and requires thorough documentation.
✅ Alternative Options for Retail Investors
While direct crypto futures trading is not available to retail investors in the UK, there are alternative methods to gain exposure to cryptocurrency markets:
Crypto Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs):
As of October 2025, the FCA has approved the sale of crypto ETNs to UK retail investors.
These are debt instruments that track the performance of cryptocurrencies and can be traded on traditional stock exchanges.
They offer a regulated and safer alternative to direct crypto trading.
MoneyWeek
Tokenised Investment Funds:
The FCA is exploring the tokenisation of investment funds, allowing for blockchain-based representations of traditional assets.
This initiative aims to attract younger investors and enhance market efficiency.
Reuters