Robinhood's UK arm joined the Financial Conduct Authority's crypto-asset register on July 31. The move opens the door for the brokerage to offer certain cryptocurrency services under existing anti-money laundering rules, and it lands before the UK kicks off its broader crypto authorization process later this year.
The timing matters. Applications for the new regulatory framework open at the end of September and close in February 2025, with full rules taking effect in October 2027. Companies already registered like Robinhood have a head start, completing compliance work before the stricter regime arrives. The UK register now lists more than 50 approved firms across crypto platforms, asset managers, and traditional finance groups.
Broader European Push Accelerates
The UK registration fits into a larger expansion pattern. Robinhood recently announced it would launch crypto trading in the UK and broaden its European footprint beyond just digital assets. The company has extended its perpetual futures offering across Europe to include commodities, ETFs, and forex pairs, with use up to 10 times and around-the-clock access for eligible users.
Recent moves paint a picture of a company moving beyond trading floors. MiCA and similar regulatory shifts across Europe are reshaping how brokerages operate. Robinhood Earn, which lets U.S. users lend USDG through self-custody wallets at roughly 7% annualized return, shows the company testing new revenue streams. The Canada entry through the WonderFi acquisition and a capital markets license in Singapore add regulated markets to the expansion roadmap.
Wall Street's View
Bernstein analysts keep an outperform rating on HOOD stock with a $160 price target, suggesting significant upside from mid-$80s levels. The firm sees growth beyond vanilla trading. Robinhood Chain, tokenized stocks, the Bitstamp acquisition, and prediction markets represent the next phase. Crypto business is shifting toward tokenization and infrastructure, not just order flow.
This material is informational and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.
