Do you think stricter ad rules protect beginners, or just make it harder to find trading opportunities?
What Changed in 2025?
The FCA noticed a surge of misleading ads online, especially from unregulated forex brokers and overseas crypto firms. To tackle this, they rolled out a new framework requiring all ads to be fair, clear, and not misleading.
- Risk Warnings: Every forex or crypto ad must include a bold disclaimer about the risks of losing money.
- Ban on Bonuses: Platforms can no longer offer deposit bonuses or “risk-free” promos to attract users.
- Cooling-Off Period: New customers must wait 24 hours before they can start trading after signing up.
- Authorized Firms Only: Only companies registered with the FCA are allowed to advertise to UK consumers.
Impact on Forex Traders
For forex traders, the biggest change is the removal of sign-up bonuses and flashy promotions. While this might seem like a downside, it helps to cut down on scams and unregulated brokers. The cooling-off period also forces traders to think carefully before making their first deposit.
Do you think a 24-hour waiting period is helpful, or just an unnecessary delay?
Impact on Crypto Traders
Crypto ads have been under fire for years, especially during the 2021–2022 boom when celebrities promoted risky coins. Under the new rules, only FCA-approved crypto firms can run ads. This will likely reduce exposure to scams but also limit the number of platforms UK traders can access.
Would you prefer fewer crypto ads if it meant most scams disappeared?
The Global Angle
The UK’s advertising rules might inspire similar regulations in other countries. With the EU’s MiCA coming into play and the US also reviewing crypto promotions, the UK is positioning itself as one of the strictest yet safest markets for retail traders.
Do you think the UK is being too strict, or just leading the way in trader protection?
Conclusion
The FCA’s 2025 advertising rules are reshaping how forex and crypto platforms market their services in the UK. While traders may see fewer promotions, the ads that remain will be more trustworthy and regulated.
Join the discussion: Do you welcome these new FCA rules, or do you feel they take away too much freedom from traders?