Be careful what you wish for on crypto regulation

Shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted

clock • 3 min read

Laith Khalaf looks at the idea of regulating crypto investment under the same rules as gambling and warns policymakers might be on the wrong track...

The Treasury Committee of MPs has called for trading in crypto to be regulated under gambling laws rather than under financial services regulation. One of their key reasons is that regulating crypto trading as a financial service might create a ‘halo effect', actually legitimising the activity rather than slapping a warning sign on it. There is some merit in this argument, but the risks of regulating crypto as gambling look greater than bringing it into the financial services fold. Things in common? Crypto certainly shares some features with gambling, but I'm not sure it is right to...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

FCA warns on loan notes and mini-bond investment risks

FCA warns on loan notes and mini-bond investment risks

Urges consumers to be wary of high-risk investments

Jenna Brown
clock 20 August 2026 • 2 min read
SVS Securities CEO banned and fined

SVS Securities CEO banned and fined

Demetrios Hadjigeorgiou barred from working in senior management positions

Jenna Brown
clock 20 August 2026 • 2 min read
Suitability rules overhaul: Why firms should engage now, not later

Suitability rules overhaul: Why firms should engage now, not later

'The bigger shift is philosophical, not just structural'

Marjolaine Quirke
clock 19 August 2026 • 3 min read