Coinbase secures UK license to offer stocks and derivatives

Coinbase announced on July 7 2026 that the UK Financial Conduct Authority granted it a MiFID licence, allowing the exchange to offer retail customers stocks and institutional traders perpetual futures on equities and commodities alongside crypto [1].

Expanding the “Everything Exchange”

The FCA approval adds to Coinbase’s existing UK e‑money licence and the crypto‑asset registration it received in February 2025, which already permitted crypto and fiat services in the country [1]. The new MiFID licence gives the platform a regulated route to launch traditional investment products before the UK’s comprehensive crypto regime takes effect in October 2027. For retail customers, the change is straightforward: they can now buy and sell listed equities on Coinbase for the first time. Institutional and “advanced” traders gain access to perpetual futures that span crypto, equities and commodities, mirroring products already available to US users and non‑US customers [1].

Strategic fit and market impact

Coinbase frames the licence as a cornerstone of its “Everything Exchange” strategy, which aims to bundle crypto, stocks, tokenised assets, prediction markets and consumer‑finance services under one roof [2]. In the United States, the firm already offers stock and ETF trading, and eligible non‑US clients can trade USDC‑settled stock perpetual futures on large‑cap names such as Apple, Microsoft and Tesla [1]. The UK rollout therefore extends a proven product suite into one of Coinbase’s largest overseas markets, potentially attracting new trading volume that is not limited to digital assets.

Regulatory timing

While the MiFID licence is active now, the broader UK crypto regulatory framework is slated for implementation in October 2027 [1]. Coinbase’s move secures a regulated foothold ahead of that deadline, giving it a competitive edge to capture both crypto and traditional‑finance users as the market evolves.

What to watch

• Price‑level triggers: Coinbase’s share price at $1,735 and its movement relative to the 24‑hour range could signal market reaction to the licence.
• Regulatory milestones: The rollout of the full UK crypto regime in October 2027.
• Product launches: Timing of tokenised stock offerings and any expansion of perpetual futures to additional asset classes.

The UK licence underscores Coinbase’s push to diversify beyond crypto fees, positioning it as a broader investment platform. How quickly the firm can convert regulatory approval into measurable trading volume will determine whether the “Everything Exchange” ambition translates into sustained growth.