UK Watchdog recruits Bitcoin Experts to escalate Crypto Crackdown

By Sunil Sharma
FCA

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), aka UK’s Financial Watchdog, has taken yet another initiative to crackdown on illegal crypto activities in the area. The latest development in UK’s crypto crackdown saw the FCA recruit a team of Bitcoin Experts to further train its employees on matters of identifying financial crimes using crypto.

The regulator’s budget amounts to an extraordinary £500,000, to hire the Bitcoin Experts for consultancy, who will facilitate access to a blockchain analytics platform and train the staff on filtering out crypto crimes like, Money laundering and terrorist rackets. According to an exclusive update on the government’s website, the financial watchdog “requires access to specialist services to support the analysis of crypto-asset blockchain data.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

UK Watchdog’s crackdown on Crypto Ads

This is not the first time that the UK regulators’ are willingly spending a fortune on cracking down crypto in its territory. Earlier this year, during the month of July, the FCA had declared the launch of its digital marketing campaign worth £11m, aimed solely at warning the younger investors in the crypto community of the risks in the crypto market.

According to the chief executive officer, Nikhil Rathi’s speech at the ‘FCA’s Our Role and Business Plan webinar’, the regulatory authority of the UK had dire concerns regarding the rapid hike in the number of younger investors indulging in the volatile market of cryptocurrencies. Rathi asserted that as the use of technology to promote investments has shot through the roof, the authorities are now in grave need to implement an adequate set of regulations and precautions to ensure consumer protection.

“When technology is used to promote new investments to consumers, it is essential that the right controls are in place. We’ve seen an explosion among younger people speculating on cryptocurrencies or other high-risk investments. In the last year, we published research that found nearly 2.5 million people in the UK had bought crypto assets.”, Rathi said according to the Draft of the speech.

Advertisement
Sunil Sharma
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.