FCA Warns Public Against Unauthorised Firm BitTrade Finance

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued a regulatory warning against an entity operating under the name BitTrade Finance, cautioning the public that the firm is offering and promoting financial services in the United Kingdom without the required authorization. According to the UK regulator, nearly all firms and individuals conducting or promoting financial services must be authorized or registered by the FCA. The watchdog noted that BitTrade Finance is actively targeting consumers in the UK without such permissions. The entity operates through multiple websites, including bttfinancelimited.ltd, bittradefinancelimited.ltd, and bit-tradecapital.ltd, and has cited an address located in Altrincham, United Kingdom. The FCA warned that individuals who conduct business with unauthorized entities forfeit vital consumer protections. Customers of BitTrade Finance will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service to resolve complaints, nor will they be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) should the firm become insolvent or fail to return funds. The regulator urges investors to verify the credentials of any financial service provider using the official Financial Services Register before transferring funds or entering into investment agreements. It also advises consumers to remain vigilant against potential scams and report any unsolicited approaches from unauthorized operators.