FTX Met With United kingdom Regulator Over Licensing but Wound Up ‘Surprised’ through the Warning, Based on Reports

Source: AdobeStock / Rafael Henrique

 

Major crypto exchange FTX has apparently been discussing its licensing using the United kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – prior to the latter issued an announcement against it. 

As reported, the main financial regulator within the Uk issued an alert against Bahama-based crypto exchange, claiming it operates without authorization and it is “targeting individuals the United kingdom.” This came as FTX was trying to have a United kingdom licence. 

However, the Financial Occasions reported the exchange’s Chief executive officer Mike Bankman-Fried as stating that this warning came like a “surprise,” given that 

FTX have been “in discussion using the FCA about licensing for some time.”

The report further reported “individuals with direct understanding from the FCA’s process,” proclaiming that this warning was indeed forwarded to FTX itself, no impersonators. 

This really is relevant, considering that right after the regulator’s statement was issued, the Chief executive officer cautioned the general public that “a fraudster continues to be impersonating FTX within the United kingdom by telephone,” telling users that “FTX won’t ever phone you by telephone.”

But, the above mentioned-pointed out individuals with understanding from the matter stated the scam phone figures incorporated within the FCA’s statement might have been there in error. 

Per the Foot report, 

“The FCA stated the telephone figures had since been removed, which wouldn’t normally speak to a company in front of an alert notice unless of course the firm was United kingdom registered.”

Firms that provide crypto buying and selling or storage need to register using the FCA for anti-money washing (AML) supervision, though overseas companies might be permitted for everyone British customers if they don’t have operations within the United kingdom or sell their professional services in the united states.

Bankman-Fried, however, argues the exchange has already been following a rules established through the country. He’s quoted as stating: 

“We believe we’re in compliance with United kingdom rules and can of course act quickly when we get any guidance from regulators.”

FTX isn’t the only major exchange to possess battled this specific regulator. 

In June 2021, the FCA issued an announcement stating that Binance “isn’t allowed to attempt any controlled activity within the United kingdom.” Then in August, it shared an update, noting the FCA enforced needs on Binance Markets Limited, which the firm “complied with every aspect of the needs,” but that it’s still “not able to conduct controlled business within the United kingdom.”

While Binance withdrew its application, the Foot reported it “has stated it promises to repair relations and reapply for United kingdom supervision.”

Meanwhile, the rumors have resurfaced that FTX is within talks with investors to boost as much as $1 billion in a valuation of approximately $32 billion. 

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Find out more: 
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‘Crypto Savior’ FTX Is Apparently Raising Fresh Capital at Latest Valuation of USD 32BN

Binance and FTX Leading the Bid to get Voyager Digital’s Assets
Crypto Exchange FTX Saw Enormous Development in 2021

United kingdom Regulator Seeks Worldwide Crypto Regulation Coordination, Not Over-regulation – Official
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