- Galaxy Digital announced it has received approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer derivatives trading.
- The firm will also expand its asset management and investment banking services in the country.
- Securing FCA authorization is a significant achievement for the Galaxy group.
Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd., a company focused on digital assets and blockchain, has reached an important regulatory milestone after obtaining approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
In a press release dated April 2, 2025, Galaxy said its UK affiliate, Galaxy Digital UK Ltd., secured a license that permits the company to conduct derivatives trading from its London office.
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
Key Milestone for Galaxy Digital
Beyond derivatives trading, the license enables Galaxy to broaden its investment banking and asset management operations in the UK. It also authorizes Galaxy Digital UK to offer its investment banking capabilities to clients in the United Kingdom through its Galaxy Asset Management arm.
Leon Marshall, Galaxy Digital’s CEO for Europe and global head of sales, commented on the regulatory milestone:
“Receiving FCA authorization is a pivotal achievement for the Galaxy group, as it enables us to deliver innovative trading solutions to institutional clients while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.” Marshall added that FCA approval, combined with London’s stature as a global financial hub, provides the firm with a platform to both expand its footprint and further its mission of bridging traditional finance with the decentralized finance ecosystem. According to the Galaxy executive, a progressively supportive regulatory environment in the UK encourages crypto product adoption and fosters innovation and growth.
“The UK government’s strong focus on attracting innovative capital has supported an environment conducive to the growth of transformative technologies like digital assets. This regulatory clarity draws top talent, investment, and innovation to the region, supported by a deep national talent pool, world-class academic institutions, and entrepreneurial spirit,” he noted.
UK Footprint
Galaxy Digital is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and maintains regulatory footprints across North America, Europe, and Asia. The FCA license represents another major compliance milestone for the company and aligns with recent UK efforts to reinforce its position as a leading destination for crypto innovation.
Earlier this year, crypto trading firm and market maker GSR announced it had secured FCA approval to offer crypto trading in the UK, obtaining authorization through its British subsidiary, GSR Markets UK Limited. Like Galaxy, GSR’s approval adds to a growing list of FCA-recognized crypto exchanges and platforms, which includes firms such as eToro, Coinbase, and Kraken.