FCA warns 'Bit Trade Master' (bittrademaster.com) is unauthorised and may be targeting people in the UK
On 23 October 2026 the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) added 'Bit Trade Master / bittrademaster.com' to its Warning List, saying the firm is not authorised by the FCA, may be providing or promoting financial serv…
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Source: fca.org.uk · published
What happened
On 23 October 2026 the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) added 'Bit Trade Master / bittrademaster.com' to its Warning List, saying the firm is not authorised by the FCA, may be providing or promoting financial services or products without permission, and may be targeting people in the UK. The FCA lists its website as www.bittrademaster.com and an address given as 20-22 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7GU. The FCA notes that firms may give incorrect contact details, including details belonging to another business. It warns that people who deal with an unauthorised firm will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if things go wrong.
What the warning means
An entry on the FCA Warning List means the regulator believes the firm is carrying on regulated activity in the UK without permission, or is otherwise running a scam. Unauthorised firms often reach people through social media adverts, cold calls, emails and messages promising high or guaranteed returns, and they may use professional-looking websites, London addresses and invented track records to seem established. Many push for quick decisions, ask for payments into personal or overseas accounts or cryptocurrency, and become hard to reach once money has been sent; some later approach the same victims offering to 'recover' lost money for a fee.
The FCA says nearly all firms and individuals offering, promoting or selling financial services or products in the UK must be authorised by it. Before dealing with any firm, check the Financial Services Register through the FCA Firm Checker, and contact the firm only using the details listed there. Unauthorised firms may also give contact details belonging to other businesses or individuals. If you think you have dealt with an unauthorised firm, you can report it to the FCA's consumer helpline on 0800 111 6768.
Source
Financial Conduct Authority, Warning List entry "Bit Trade Master / bittrademaster.com" (23 October 2026).
Red flags
- Unexpected contact by phone, email or social media about an investment.
- Promises of high or guaranteed returns with little risk.
- Pressure to invest quickly or keep the opportunity secret.
- A firm that doesn't appear on the FCA's Financial Services Register.
- Requests to pay into a personal or overseas bank account, or in cryptocurrency.
If you were targeted
- 1Don't send money to, or share personal details with, bittrademaster.com.
- 2Check the FCA Firm Checker before dealing with any financial firm, and use only the contact details listed on the Register.
- 3If you've already paid, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your card.
- 4Report the firm to the FCA (consumer helpline 0800 111 6768) and to Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud).
- 5Be wary of anyone who later contacts you offering to recover your money for a fee.