# UK FCA regulatory crackdown on CFD firms

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-fca-regulatory-crackdown-on-cfd-firms
> Updated: 2026-09-28T10:05:01.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has overseen the closure of 21 contracts for difference (CFD) firms since 2025 as part of a regulatory crackdown. The regulator is targeting firms suspected of misusing their authorized status to mislead consumers by creating a false impression of UK regulatory protection. 

Specifically, the FCA noted that some firms conduct minimal business within the UK but use their authorization to make linked overseas entities appear more trustworthy. In response, the regulator has implemented measures such as restricting trading abilities, requiring independent business reviews, and launching enforcement investigations. 

Three additional firms are currently in the process of cancelling their permissions. Dominic Holland, director of sell-side supervision at the FCA, stated that the regulator will intervene when firms “blur the lines between UK-regulated activities and overseas operations” to ensure consumer clarity.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: FCA closes 21 CFD firms following regulatory crackdown

The UK's Financial Conduct Authority has closed 21 CFD firms for misleading consumers by using UK authorization to falsely imply overseas companies are locally regulated.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fca-closes-21-cfd-firms-following-regulatory-crackdown

### 2026-09-25: UK Financial Conduct Authority shuts 21 CFD firms

The UK Financial Conduct Authority has shut down 21 CFD firms since 2025 to prevent companies from using their authorised status to mislead consumers about regulatory protections.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-financial-conduct-authority-shuts-21-cfd-firms

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Cite as: UK FCA regulatory crackdown on CFD firms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-fca-regulatory-crackdown-on-cfd-firms