Paypal has announced its decision to temporarily suspend cryptocurrency purchases for UK customers starting from October 1st, 2023.

This move is in response to forthcoming regulations aimed at restricting the promotion of cryptocurrencies within the United Kingdom.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in Britain is set to enforce more stringent rules governing the advertisement of crypto assets, including the mandatory inclusion of risk warnings and the discontinuation of “refer a friend” incentives.

According to an email sent to its clientele, PayPal revealed its intention to comply with the impending regulations by putting a pause on cryptocurrency buying on its platform. The new regulations are slated to take effect on October 8th, 2023.

When sales resume?

The company assured its customers that this measure is temporary and it plans to resume cryptocurrency sales in early 2024.

In the email shared with Reuters, PayPal stated, “PayPal consistently works closely with regulators around the world to adhere to applicable rules and regulations in the markets in which we operate.” While this temporary halt affects crypto purchases, customers will still retain the ability to hold and sell their existing cryptocurrency holdings without any disruption.

The decision by PayPal to suspend crypto sales in the UK reflects a broader trend of regulatory tightening in the global cryptocurrency market. This comes after a series of setbacks, including the collapse of several crypto firms like FTX, which led to substantial losses for amateur investors. These incidents have prompted regulatory bodies worldwide to take a closer look at the cryptocurrency industry and consider measures to mitigate potential risks.

Regulation nightmare

In a move that garnered attention earlier this month, PayPal made a significant announcement related to the cryptocurrency space. The company introduced a U.S. dollar stablecoin, a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a tangible asset.

PayPal initially ventured into the UK cryptocurrency market in 2021, enabling customers to buy and sell digital assets through its platform.

As the landscape of crypto regulation continues to evolve, PayPal’s decision to temporarily halt crypto sales underscores the challenges faced by financial technology companies in navigating the complex regulatory environment.