- Galaxy Digital says it has received approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer derivatives trading.
- The company will also expand its asset management and investment banking services in the UK.
- Receiving FCA authorization is a key milestone for the Galaxy group.
Digital asset and blockchain firm Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd. has reached an important regulatory milestone after securing approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). In a press release on April 2, 2025, the company announced that its UK subsidiary, Galaxy Digital UK Ltd., has been licensed to execute derivatives trading from its London office. The FCA’s approval for Galaxy’s London-based entity represents the latest regulatory achievement for the New York–headquartered financial services firm. Galaxy said the license strengthens its compliance framework and supports its ongoing global expansion.
We’re excited to share that Galaxy has received regulatory approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to execute derivatives trading through our London-based entity, Galaxy Digital UK Ltd. This is a notable milestone that expands our global trading operations and…
— Galaxy (@galaxyhq) April 2, 2025
Significant Milestone for Galaxy Digital
Beyond derivatives trading, the license permits Galaxy to broaden its investment banking and asset management activities in the UK. It also enables Galaxy Digital UK, through its Galaxy Asset Management subsidiary, to offer investment banking solutions to UK clients. Commenting on the regulatory milestone, Leon Marshall, Galaxy Digital’s Europe CEO and Global Head of Sales, said: “Receiving FCA authorization is a critical achievement for the Galaxy group, as it allows us to deliver innovative trading solutions to institutional clients while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.” He added that London’s status as a financial center, backed by FCA recognition, provides the firm with a new platform to advance its ecosystem and connect with major financial hubs.
Senior executives at Galaxy noted that the UK’s increasingly proactive regulatory approach has made it more receptive to crypto products and supportive of innovation and growth. “The UK government has placed a strong emphasis on attracting innovative capital, creating an environment conducive to the development of transformative technologies such as digital assets. This clarity has drawn top talent, investment, and innovation to the region, while its deep talent pool, world-class academic institutions, and entrepreneurial spirit further bolster the ecosystem,” he said.
UK Footprint
Galaxy Digital, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, operates across North America, Europe, and Asia. The FCA license marks another milestone in the company’s compliance journey and aligns with recent UK measures to strengthen the country’s position as a leading destination for crypto innovation. Earlier this year, crypto trading firm and market maker GSR disclosed that it received FCA approval to provide crypto trading services in the UK through its local entity, GSR Markets UK Limited. Similar approvals for firms like Galaxy and GSR build on the FCA’s recognition of major crypto exchanges and platforms, further affirming the regulator’s oversight of the sector.