Regulatory Compliance
Full FCA authorization and consumer protection
Kraken operates in the United Kingdom through two fully regulated entities, ensuring the highest standards of consumer protection and regulatory compliance.
Financial Conduct Authority Registration
Both Kraken entities are registered with and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK's financial services regulator.
Payward Limited
Cryptoasset Exchange ProviderTrading Names
Payward Services Limited
Authorized Electronic Money InstitutionTrading Names
Consumer Protection Framework
Understand the protections available to UK customers using FCA-regulated services.
FCA Regulatory Oversight
Both Kraken entities are subject to ongoing supervision by the Financial Conduct Authority, ensuring compliance with UK financial regulations.
What This Means:
- Regular regulatory reporting and compliance monitoring
- Adherence to FCA conduct and prudential rules
- Consumer protection measures as required by law
- Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing compliance
Customer Complaints Process
Structured complaints handling process with escalation to the Financial Ombudsman Service if required.
Escalate if Unresolved
Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service if your complaint is not resolved satisfactorily.
Contact Information:
Important Limitations
Understanding what protections apply and what limitations exist is crucial for informed decision-making.
Financial Ombudsman Service
The Financial Ombudsman Service will not be able to consider a complaint about Payward Limited for cryptoasset activities as they fall outside the ombudsman's jurisdiction.
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) will not be able to consider a claim against either entity if it fails, as cryptoassets are not covered.
Payment Services Protection
For Payward Services Limited's electronic money and payment services, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to consider complaints within their jurisdiction.
Important: Before using any service, check what protections are available for the specific activities you plan to undertake.
Regulatory Requirements & Restrictions
Current regulatory requirements and restrictions applying to both regulated entities.
Payward Services Limited Restrictions
Effective from: 20 February 2025
Account Information Services & Payment Initiation
Payward Services Limited is required to refrain from providing account information services or payment initiation services for an indefinite period.
Agents and Distributors
The institution will not appoint any agents or distributors.
Payment Services Limitation
Will not provide any payment services unrelated to the issuing of e-money.
Board Composition
Must appoint a UK based independent non executive director to the board within 12 months of authorisation.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Anti-Money Laundering
- Customer due diligence procedures
- Suspicious activity reporting
- Record keeping requirements
- Staff training and awareness
Consumer Protection
- Clear and fair customer communications
- Appropriate risk warnings
- Complaints handling procedures
- Data protection compliance
Operational Requirements
- Systems and controls
- Business continuity planning
- Regulatory reporting
- Capital and liquidity requirements
Verify Our Regulatory Status
You can independently verify our regulatory status through official FCA channels.
FCA Financial Services Register
Search for both Payward entities on the official FCA register to verify their current regulatory status.
Visit FCA RegisterDirect Entity Links
Contact the FCA
Contact the FCA directly if you have concerns about our regulatory status or need additional information.
FCA Contact Centre:
0800 111 6768 (freephone)
0300 500 8082 (national rate)
Comprehensive Risk Warning
Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in some jurisdictions. No consumer protection. Capital at risk.
Market Risk
- Cryptocurrency prices can be extremely volatile
- You may lose some or all of your investment
- Past performance is not indicative of future results
Regulatory Risk
- Cryptocurrency regulation is evolving
- Future regulatory changes may affect your investments
- Limited consumer protections compared to traditional investments
Operational Risk
- Technology failures or cyber attacks may affect access to funds
- User error in managing private keys can result in permanent loss
- Network congestion may delay transactions
Educational Disclaimer: This educational content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider seeking independent financial advice before making any investment decisions.