Coinbase Secures FCA Registration as Virtual Asset Service Provider

The cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has obtained registration as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), marking a significant development for the platform in one of its largest international markets.

The registration enables Coinbase to offer both cryptocurrency and fiat currency services in the UK, adding to its growing portfolio of regulatory permissions globally. According to the company, this makes it the largest registered digital assets provider in the British market.

The move comes as the UK government and the FCA work to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency sector. This regulatory development follows similar initiatives in other jurisdictions seeking to establish formal oversight of digital asset services.

Coinbase's official announcement stated: "This is a critical registration to cement our strong position in the UK and unlock our ambitious expansion plans. Our mission is to onboard the next 1 billion people into crypto while prioritising security for customer assets and maintaining the highest standards of compliance."

"Coinbase's core thesis is that greater adoption and use of cryptocurrencies will increase economic freedom, and achieving our VASP in the UK furthers this belief."

The registration comes amid increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency services, particularly in the payments sector. "We're already seeing groundbreaking technologies such as stablecoins being used by traditional financial players to revolutionise payments," the company stated.