UK Crypto Ownership Drops Despite Clear Regulation

Recent consumer research shows that crypto ownership in the United Kingdom declined in 2025. Even so, interest in digital assets is still strong.

The findings suggest that fewer adults now own crypto, but those who do are holding larger amounts. At the same time, the UK is taking clear steps toward stronger and more structured regulation of the sector.

Crypto Ownership Falls but Stays Above Earlier Levels

According to new YouGov research carried out for the Financial Conduct Authority, 8% of UK adults held crypto assets in 2025. This was down from 12% in 2024. Even with this decline, ownership is still about twice the level recorded in 2021. 

This trend suggests that interest in crypto has cooled from last year’s high point rather than collapsed. Nevertheless, public awareness of crypto stayed very strong this year. 

About 91% of adults said they are aware of crypto assets, a figure that has changed little in recent years. Fewer people now own crypto, but those who do hold more value. Small holdings keep falling, while larger portfolios are rising. This shows crypto is increasingly owned by fewer, more committed investors.

Exchanges Remain the Main Way to Buy Crypto in the U.K

Centralized exchanges remain the main way people buy crypto, with about 73% of users using regulated trading platforms like Binance, Coinbase, or Kraken. This was higher than in 2024. 

Payment firms offering crypto services followed at 15%. Users said ease of use, strong reputation, and safety and security were the most important factors when choosing a platform.

Credit card use to buy crypto is falling, dropping to 9% from 14% last year. Most users say they would have bought crypto anyway using other methods. In addition, the report revealed crypto users are more willing to take risks, but lending, borrowing, and staking remain low, with staking falling to about 22% in 2025.

UK Moves Toward a Clear Regulatory Framework

Opinions on regulation varied widely this year. One quarter of crypto users said they would be more likely to invest if crypto were more regulated in the UK. Another 26% said regulation would help only if it included financial protection in case a platform fails.

In contrast, 11% said more regulation would reduce their interest, while 25% said it would make no difference to their investment decisions. These findings come as the UK advances its crypto regulatory plans. 

The government has introduced new laws to bring crypto under the current financial system. HM Treasury will set the rules, while the FCA and the Bank of England will oversee them.

The FCA is working on detailed rules for areas like trading, custody, staking, and lending. Final rules are expected in 2026, with enforcement starting in 2027.