Galaxy Digital Obtains FCA License, Paving Path for UK Derivatives Trading

12/04/2025 admin

Key Takeaways:

Galaxy Digital has recently received another substantial license from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The approval clears the path for wider derivatives trading and investment banking services in London.
Galaxy Digital now holds an FCA license, marking another step in the growing UK institutional digital asset market.

Galaxy Digital UK Limited, Galaxy’s London-based subsidiary, was awarded a UK license from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), allowing the firm to significantly expand its operations across the United Kingdom.

FCA Approval Paves the Way for Enhanced UK Services

With new FCA regulations in place, Galaxy Digital now has vast opportunities in the UK market. London’s financial ecosystem, known for its deep liquidity and robust regulatory oversight, provides an ideal environment for Galaxy Digital’s expansion. More importantly, it allows the firm to expand its institutional derivatives business significantly. This expansion comes at a time when institutional investors are increasing in sophistication and appetite for digital asset derivatives as they seek to gain exposure while managing risk within the crypto market. This move will solidify Galaxy Digital’s position as a key derivatives provider within the digital assets ecosystem.

The FCA license not only gives Galaxy Investment Banking the ability to facilitate derivatives trading, but enables them to deliver capital raising and investment banking services directly to clients based in the UK. This includes supporting companies in the digital asset sector with fundraising efforts, strategic advisory, and M&A. In addition, Galaxy Digital UK will support Galaxy Asset Management’s business with respect to fund distribution activities. This multifaceted strategy will allow Galaxy Digital to serve a wide range of needs across the evolving UK digital asset ecosystem, providing clients with a comprehensive suite of offerings to help institutional clients participate in the burgeoning world of digital assets, in a compliant and regulatory framework.

UK Regulatory Clarity Attracts Investment and Innovation

Leon Marshall, CEO of Galaxy Europe and Global Head of Sales, stated that obtaining an FCA license was one of Galaxy’s most strategic decisions. He emphasized that their authorized solutions would offer institutional clients exceptional trading conditions while maintaining the highest level of regulatory compliance. Marshall emphasized London’s status as an essential global financial hub, adding that this authorization enables Galaxy Digital to further its UK presence — consistent with its mission to bridge traditional finance to the digital asset ecosystem.

Marshall also emphasized the UK’s progressive outlook toward digital asset regulation by advocating that the UK’s growing work on and commitment toward establishing a stable and forward-looking environment of regulations on crypto assets makes it one of the leaders in the worldwide digital asset ecosystem. The UK’s focus on attracting innovation capital has created a fertile ground for emerging digital assets. Clear regulations are drawing top talent, investment, and innovation, supported by a strong talent pool, world-class universities, and an entrepreneurial spirit. This progress cements the UK’s position as a global leader in digital assets.

Galaxy Digital Navigates Regulatory Landscape and Forges Ahead

Now with over 1,300 institutional trading counterparties, including growing footprints in North America, Europe and Asia, Galaxy Digital is poised to be a dominant player in the future of digital assets. Expanding into the UK market not only strengthens Galaxy Digital’s global footprint but also enhances its ability to collaborate with other financial institutions.

Although this FCA license is a big win, Galaxy Digital was previously denied a similar application. The firm previously settled a $200 million case with the New York Attorney General over its LUNA dealings. Yet, more recently, the firm secured a 15-year artificial intelligence hosting agreement with CoreWeave, which reflects its diversification into new technologies and its focus on continuing innovation. As digital assets grow, Galaxy Digital is set to meet the UK’s demand for regulated services, following firms like BlackRock.

To meet demand for digital asset services, the company plans to hire more employees. With a team of around 40 people in London, these developments are in line with the UK’s comparatively progressive stance on crypto assets that has made the UK a destination for substantial investment and innovation.

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