UK Finance Expels Coinbase as Traditional Finance Pushes Back Against Crypto Influence
The UK Finance board expelled Coinbase from its membership after a review concluded that cryptocurrency exchanges do not meet its criteria, according to people familiar with the matter. The expulsion comes just one week before Britain's crypto licensing window opens.
Coinbase has been lobbying in Westminster for two years and has had significant success. In 2025, the company attended more meetings with UK government ministers than any other crypto company, racking up ten ministerial sessions that year alone.
The company also hired former Chancellor George Osborne as an adviser to connect them with politicians and regulators. Osborne argued in a Financial Times op-ed that the UK was being left behind on stablecoins.
Despite Coinbase's efforts, traditional finance is pushing back against crypto firms gaining influence over regulatory policy. The expulsion is seen as a defensive move by the incumbent financial services sector.