key insights:
- UK expansion accelerates — More than 50 crypto assets join the brokerage’s existing British investment products.
- Bitstamp carries the infrastructure load — The $200 million acquisition now supports a major international expansion strategy.
- Timing matters — The rollout arrives as crypto transaction revenue falls and Britain prepares tougher authorization requirements.
Robinhood has started rolling out cryptocurrency trading to eligible UK customers through Bitstamp UK this week. The launch brings more than 50 digital assets into its main investing app for British users. It also pushes the brokerage deeper into a market facing a major regulatory transition.
The service includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and Hyperliquid. Customers can trade crypto beside equities, ISAs, options and futures within one application.
🚨NEW: ROBINHOOD BEGINS OFFERING CRYPTO TRADING VIA BITSTAMP IN UK THIS WEEK🇬🇧
Robinhood is launching zero-fee crypto trading in the UK, allowing users to trade over 50 crypto assets through its all-in-one app. bitcoin:native $ETH $XRP $HYPE
Including access to stocks, shares… pic.twitter.com/3Bf3PQeRjc
— Rednirav (@CryptoRednirav) August 10, 2026
Bitstamp becomes the gateway for UK crypto trading
The rollout follows the company’s July 31 registration with the Financial Conduct Authority. That registration allows its UK operation to provide covered crypto services under existing anti-money laundering rules.
However, Bitstamp UK Ltd. will execute the cryptocurrency trades. The exchange already holds FCA registration as a cryptoasset service provider.
The company acquired Bitstamp for $200 million last year. The deal gave the brokerage regulated infrastructure and an established international crypto operation.
The company will charge no trading, custody or account maintenance fees. Customers will instead face a 0.1% foreign exchange charge for currency conversions. Certain weekend conversions will cost 0.3%.
Crypto assets held through Bitstamp UK carry important limits. They lack Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection and Financial Ombudsman Service coverage.
Cortex adds real-time analysis to the trading app
Alongside trading, Robinhood is introducing Cortex Digests for Crypto to UK customers. The generative AI tool analyzes market data, breaking news, technical indicators and internal company insights.
It then explains factors influencing daily price movements in individual crypto assets. The feature aims to provide investors with faster market context inside the same application.
Jordan Sinclair said digital assets are becoming important within diversified portfolios for a new group of British investors. Sinclair leads the brokerage’s UK unit and also serves as Bitstamp UK’s general manager.
Points stand out from the rollout.
- More than 50 cryptocurrencies become available inside an established multi-asset investment app.
- Bitstamp provides the regulated trading infrastructure behind the UK crypto service.
- Cortex places AI-generated market analysis beside execution, research and educational resources.
The company also offers educational material through its Learn platform and Help Center. UK customers can access round-the-clock support through in-app chat.
UK expansion meets a changing regulatory framework
The timing carries regulatory significance. Britain plans another authorization framework that will reshape requirements for crypto businesses operating in the country.
Applications under the incoming regime are expected to open in late September. The application window should remain open until the end of February 2027.
The broader framework is scheduled to take effect in October 2027. Existing FCA registration does not automatically satisfy those future authorization requirements.
Companies seeking continued access will therefore need to meet the new standards. That creates another compliance test after the current anti-money laundering registration process.
The UK launch also expands the company’s wider digital asset strategy. Developers in Britain can build applications on Robinhood Chain.
The Arbitrum-based Layer 2 network launched globally on July 1. Company figures show more than $18 billion in decentralized exchange volume since launch. Total value locked has also exceeded $840 million.
Metric Figure
Crypto assets offered More than 50
Standard FX fee 0.1%
Certain weekend FX conversions 0.3%
Bitstamp acquisition price $200 million
Chain DEX volume More than $18 billion
Chain TVL More than $840 million
Revenue pressure raises the stakes for expansion
The launch follows a quarter when cryptocurrency transaction revenue weakened despite broader company growth. Crypto transaction revenue fell 38% year over year to $100 million.
Meanwhile, total net revenue rose 32% to $1.31 billion. Net income increased 48% to $573 million during the same period.
Prediction markets generated $156 million and surpassed crypto transaction revenue during the quarter. That shift highlights why international crypto expansion could matter for future transaction activity.
HOOD shares rose 0.77% above $94 in Monday premarket trading. The stock had closed Friday at $93.29, up 2.84%.
Bernstein has maintained a $160 price target on the shares. Its growth thesis includes Bitstamp, tokenized stocks, the Layer 2 network and its Earn product.
Conclusion
Robinhood enters UK crypto trading with low stated fees, Bitstamp infrastructure and more than 50 supported assets. The move broadens its British platform while cryptocurrency revenue faces pressure at home.
The larger test will come from execution and regulation. UK adoption must grow while the company prepares for a stricter authorization system.
