Coinbase Membership Status Sparks Regulatory Row with UK Finance

Coinbase's membership in UK Finance has been called into question after a Bloomberg report suggested the exchange was not listed as a member. However, according to Coinbase's own member directory, it is still listed.

In early 2025, Coinbase secured a cryptoasset registration from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which has a well-documented rejection rate of turning away the majority of applicants who couldn't meet its anti-money laundering and governance standards. In July 2026, the exchange received an FCA investment services authorisation, allowing it to facilitate equities and derivatives trading alongside its core crypto operations.

The appointment of former Chancellor George Osborne to Coinbase's global advisory council is seen as a move that converts regulatory goodwill into actual access. UK Finance membership provides proximity to policy working groups, early sight of regulatory consultations, and credibility among other financial institutions.