UK Financial Conduct Authority shuts 21 CFD firms

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has overseen the closure of 21 contracts for difference (CFD) firms since 2025. An additional three firms are currently in the process of cancelling their permissions.

The regulatory crackdown targets firms that allegedly misuse their authorised status to mislead consumers. The FCA noted that some firms carry out minimal business within the UK but use their authorisation to make linked overseas entities appear more trustworthy. This practice creates a false impression that consumers are receiving UK regulatory protections when they are not.

In response to these issues, the regulator has implemented various measures, including restricting trading abilities, requiring independent business reviews, and launching enforcement investigations in the most serious instances.