Cryptocurrency

Barclays bans crypto purchases with credit cards from June 27, 2025. 
Volatility and lack of regulatory protection drive the decision. UK investors can still use debit cards or bank transfers for crypto. Other banks like Lloyds also restrict crypto transactions. Fintech platforms may see increased demand for crypto access.
Barclays Bank will block all crypto transactions made with its credit cards, including Barclaycard, starting June 27, 2025. The decision aims to shield customers from financial risks tied to the volatile cryptocurrency market.
The bank stated on its website that a sharp decline in crypto prices could leave customers with unmanageable debt. Unlike traditional investments, digital assets lack protection from the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Why Barclays Imposed the Ban
Barclays cited the high volatility of cryptocurrencies as a primary concern. Price swings can lead to significant losses, especially for customers using credit to invest.
The bank emphasized consumer safety, noting that crypto purchases carry unique risks. Without regulatory safeguards, customers have limited recourse if transactions fail or assets lose value.
This move aligns with the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s efforts to curb fraud and financial instability linked to speculative crypto investments. Barclays directed customers to the FCA’s website for guidance on digital asset risks.
Impact on UK Crypto Investors
The ban restricts UK retail investors from using Barclays credit cards to buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. This could reduce impulsive purchases but may push investors toward alternative payment methods.
Debit cards and bank transfers remain viable options for Barclays customers. Platforms like eToro, registered with the FCA, allow GBP deposits for crypto trading. Services such as Revolut also offer in-app crypto purchases.
Other UK banks, including Lloyds and NatWest, have imposed similar restrictions. Around 47% of major UK banks limit or block crypto-related transactions, citing fraud and money laundering concerns.
Industry reactions vary. Some argue the ban limits consumer freedom, equating crypto investments to gambling. Others view it as a prudent step to protect inexperienced investors from high-risk markets.
Barclays’ decision follows its earlier restrictions, such as blocking payments to Binance in 2021. Despite the ban, the bank holds a $131 million stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, highlighting a contrast between institutional and retail access to crypto.
The policy may drive demand for fintech solutions. Digital wallets and account-to-account payments via open banking could gain traction as investors seek crypto-friendly alternatives.

#CryptoTransactions #BarclaysBan #Cryptocurrency #UKFinance #ConsumerProtection

It’s been a quiet but slightly red day across the majors. $BTC and $ETH both saw minor dips, down 0.43% and 0.74% respectively — nothing too dramatic, but a continuation of sideways action.
Most of the top altcoins followed suit:
$SOL dropped by 2.65%ADA slipped 2.29%XRP and DOGE both dipped just over 3%

Interestingly, MATIC held its ground with a flat 0.00% — neither gaining nor losing. In a red sea, that’s almost a win.
Overall, the market seems to be cooling off after recent rallies. No major panic, but no strong bullish push either. Let’s see if the weekend brings more volatility.
#Binance #Crypto #Cryptocurrency

Listen, an interesting thing has happened in the world of cryptocurrencies: Hong Kong has officially allowed the first broker from mainland China to trade digital assets. This broker is Guotai Junan Securities (Hong Kong), a subsidiary of the large financial structure Guotai Junan International, which operates in mainland China.
What happened? They were granted an updated license from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). Previously, this company already had a type 1 license — it allowed trading in ordinary securities. Now they have been officially allowed to trade cryptocurrencies, and in full compliance with local laws and as part of an agreement with licensed virtual asset platforms. That is, their customers can now buy and sell bitcoins, ethereums and stablecoins through this platform — absolutely legally.
This is actually a big step — and not just for the company. Hong Kong has long sought to become a crypto hub in Asia and create a transparent and reliable market for digital assets. And the approval of such a major player suggests that the region is betting on institutional investors, not just retail traders.
Moreover, it is also a political signal. Although China maintains a tough position within the country towards cryptocurrencies, it makes it clear through Hong Kong that digital finance is the future, and it cannot be abandoned altogether. A kind of "dialogue" is beginning between traditional banks and the cryptocurrency sector, but within the framework of strict regulation.
So, in fact, Guotai Junan became the first to follow this new route. And, most likely, others will catch up with them.
Now the question is: if even such large and cautious players as Chinese brokers start entering the crypt legally and with regulatory approval, maybe this is a sign that the crypt is really becoming part of the future financial system?
#CryptoNewss #cryptocurrency #HongKong #crypto