Robinhood CEO Slams UK’s ‘Backward’ Crypto Policies

Robinhood CEO, Tenev, in an interview with the Times, expressed his aspiration to expand Robinhood’s business into the United Kingdom, emphasizing its potential to serve as a “financial home in the UK market.”

Robinhood CEO Remarks on UK Market

Shares were initially made available to the UK market by Robinhood last year. Last month, the financial institution that specializes in cryptocurrency launched its margin trading platform, which enables customers to make even larger wagers by obtaining loans from the company.

“It’s pretty clear that [British] customers love the product, and they’re looking to bring all of their financial activities to Robinhood,” said Tenev.

Tenev responded that he is primarily unconcerned about the potential impact of recent concerns regarding cryptocurrency on UK regulations on the firm’s market expansion. In fact, he emphasized the “backward” nature of their posture on crypto, as gambling is a much more significant issue in the country and is not discussed as extensively as crypto.

“I think people should be allowed to do what they want. But on a policy level, it’s just strange to me that, like: ‘the gambling will continue, but suddenly, with crypto and margin trading, we would have a problem with that.’ That just seems backwards to me,” said Tenev.

Tenev’s statement was a direct response to a statement made by Amanda Pritchard, the Chief Executive of NHS England, regarding unregulated crypto trading sites. The National Health Service (NHS) disclosed in June that an increasing number of young males are seeking treatment at NHS clinics due to their “addiction” to cryptocurrency trading. The health service has issued a call to action against “unregulated cryptocurrency sites.”

Pritchard stated in a separate Times article that the service is continuously adapting to the real and growing social need, which includes the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies. He received information about this trend while visiting one of our 15 gambling harm clinics earlier this year.

In contrast to the United States, the United Kingdom has adopted a significantly more stringent posture toward cryptocurrency, particularly in light of President-elect Trump’s increasing endorsement of the industry.

Most recently, the United Kingdom was reported to be enacting legislation to regulate stablecoins in response to regulators’ apprehensions regarding the stability and transparency of digital assets such as Bitcoin.

Val Smith, the head of payments and digital assets at the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, contended on October 21 that the agency’s decision to establish a rigorous registration procedure for crypto businesses is essential for safeguarding consumers.

Regulators rejected, withdrawn, or denied over 87% of crypto registration attempts, according to statistics.

Smith noted that the FCA experts are exercising caution because of the potential for crypto to be used as a tool to facilitate illicit activities, emphasizing the risks of human trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism.