UK banks’ anti-crypto stance intensifies even as regulatory process moves forward

A crypto lobby group said it found "increased hostility" from British banks, casting a shadow over the global cryptocurrency leadership the country said it is vying for. What to know : U.K. banks are increasingly blocking or limiting customer transfers to crypto exchanges, even those platforms registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. A survey by the UK Cryptoasset Business Council found that 80% of exchanges saw more customers facing bank transfer blocks in 2025, with 40% of transactions reported as blocked or delayed. Major banks including HSBC, Barclays and NatWest impose caps on transfers to crypto platforms, while others such as Chase UK, Metro Bank, TSB and Starling Bank fully block such payments, citing fraud and consumer-protection concerns.