BitPay has launched its crypto payments and wallet services in the United Kingdom. The solution adheres to the Financial Promotions Regime. It allows the UK crypto community access to a comprehensive suite of consumer crypto solutions.
BitPay’s Expansion into the UK Market
The United Kingdom has emerged as a pivotal player in the global cryptocurrency landscape, driven by escalating adoption among consumers and businesses. With its newly tailored UK offerings, BitPay aims to meet this growing demand by providing a robust array of services designed to assist users in building, managing, and utilizing their cryptocurrency portfolios.
UK users can now access BitPay’s extensive solutions, including:
- Self-Custody Wallet App: A secure platform that allows users to store and manage crypto assets independently, ensuring complete control over their private keys without reliance on centralized exchanges.
- Buying and Selling Cryptocurrency: Facilitates the purchase of Bitcoin and other leading cryptocurrencies using various payment methods such as credit cards and bank transfers. Additionally, users can sell cryptocurrencies with flexible limits and withdraw funds directly to UK bank accounts.
- Asset Swapping: Enables seamless swapping between a range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, enhancing portfolio diversification.
- Gift Card Purchases: Allows users to buy gift cards for popular retailers and brands using cryptocurrency, bridging the gap between digital assets and everyday spending.
- Cryptocurrency Payment Processing: Supports spending crypto with hundreds of merchants worldwide, promoting broader adoption and utility of digital currencies.
“UK market has shown tremendous growth and interest in cryptocurrency,” BitPay CMO, Bill Zielke, said in a press statement shared with AlexaBlockchain.
“Our goal is to provide the UK crypto community with innovative ways to leverage their crypto assets, whether for payments or portfolio building and management,” Bill added.
Navigating the UK’s Regulatory Landscape
BitPay’s entry into the UK market was facilitated through a collaboration with Archax, a regulated digital securities exchange, broker, and custodian. Archax’s expertise was instrumental in ensuring BitPay’s compliance with the UK’s stringent financial promotion regulations.
Julia Loder, Head of Regulation at Archax, commented on this partnership: “Archax is proud to collaborate with BitPay on this significant milestone, enabling their innovative payment solutions to thrive in the UK while adhering to the FCA’s Financial Promotion Rules. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance, ensuring UK businesses and investors benefit from transparent access to digital payment services.”
The UK government has been progressively refining its approach to cryptocurrency regulation. In September 2024, the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill was introduced in Parliament, aiming to classify digital holdings, including cryptocurrencies, as personal property under the law. This legislative development seeks to provide greater legal protection to crypto asset owners and position the UK at the forefront of the global tech industry.
Furthermore, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been actively developing a regulatory framework for crypto assets. In a blog post from November 2024, the FCA outlined its intention to create a regime that ensures fair, orderly, transparent, and efficient trading, tailored to the unique characteristics of cryptocurrencies.
BitPay’s Global Footprint and Commitment
Founded in 2011, BitPay stands as one of the oldest cryptocurrency companies, pioneering blockchain payment processing. The company’s mission is to transform how businesses and individuals send, receive, and store money by leveraging blockchain technology. BitPay’s business solutions aim to eliminate fraud chargebacks, reduce payment processing costs, and enable borderless payments in cryptocurrency. For consumers, the BitPay Wallet offers a comprehensive digital asset management solution, encompassing buying, storing, swapping, selling, and spending cryptocurrencies. The company maintains offices in North America, Europe, and South America and has secured over $70 million in funding from prominent investment firms, including Founders Fund, Index Ventures, Virgin Group, and Aquiline Technology Growth.
The UK’s Evolving Crypto Ecosystem
The UK’s crypto ecosystem has witnessed significant developments in recent years. In March 2022, the FCA declared all cryptocurrency ATMs in the country illegal, citing non-compliance with registration requirements and concerns over money laundering. This move underscored the regulator’s commitment to enforcing compliance within the crypto sector.
Despite regulatory challenges, the UK’s crypto market continues to grow. A survey conducted by the FCA estimated that 12% of UK adults, approximately 7 million people, owned cryptocurrencies as of early 2025, up from 4% in 2021. This surge in adoption reflects a growing interest among consumers, particularly those under 35, in exploring digital assets.
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Image Credits: BitPay