- Galaxy Digital says it received approval to offer derivatives trading from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.
- The company will also expand its asset management and investment banking services in the country.
- Obtaining FCA authorisation is a pivotal achievement for the Galaxy group.
Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd., a digital asset and blockchain firm, has secured a significant regulatory milestone with approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The company announced in a press release on April 2, 2025, that its UK subsidiary, Galaxy Digital UK Ltd., had secured a license that allows Galaxy to offer derivatives trading from its London office.
FCA approval for Galaxy’s London-based subsidiary is the latest regulatory milestone for the New York-headquartered financial services firm.
The license adds to its compliance amid global expansion, Galaxy said in the announcement.
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
Other than derivatives trading capabilities, the license allows Galaxy to expand its investment banking and asset management operations in the country.
The license also gives Galaxy Digital UK the green light to bring its investment banking solution to its customers in the UK via its arm, Galaxy Asset Management.
Commenting on the regulatory milestone, Galaxy Digital chief executive officer for Europe and global head of sales Leon Marshall said:
“Obtaining FCA authorisation is a pivotal achievement for the Galaxy group, as it allows us to deliver innovative trading solutions to institutional clients while maintaining the highest regulatory standards.”
Marshall added that with London now a financial hub, the FCA nod gives the company a new platform to not only expand its footprint but also deliver on its mission to bridge traditional finance and the decentralised finance ecosystem.
According to the Galaxy exec, the UK’s increasingly positive regulatory environment allows for the adoption of crypto products and supports innovation and growth.
“With a strong focus on attracting innovation capital, the UK government has fostered an environment conducive to the growth of transformative technologies like digital assets. This clarity is drawing top talent, investment, and innovation to the region, bolstered by the nation’s deep talent pool, world-class academic institutions, and entrepreneurial spirit,” he noted.
UK footprint
Galaxy Digital is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and has a regulatory footprint across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The FCA license is its latest landmark compliance effort, largely coinciding with recent UK moves to strengthen its status as a leading destination for crypto innovation.
In January this year, crypto trading firm and market maker GSR revealed it had secured FCA’s nod to offer crypto trading in the UK.
Like Galaxy, GSR received the approval via its UK subsidiary, GSR Markets UK Limited.
These approvals add to FCA nods for top crypto exchanges and platforms, including eToro, Coinbase, and Kraken.
