In June 2021, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a consumer warning against Binance Markets Limited, effectively banning the exchange from offering regulated activities in the United Kingdom. Since then, many users have been left wondering: “How do I use Binance now that the UK has closed it?” The answer is not straightforward, but there are legal workarounds that allow UK residents to continue trading on Binance without violating local laws.

First, it is crucial to understand exactly what the UK ban covers. The FCA’s action did not shut down Binance.com entirely for UK users. Instead, it prohibited Binance Markets Limited (a UK-registered entity) from conducting any regulated activities. This means that while Binance.com can still be accessed from the UK, certain services—such as derivatives trading, futures, and margin products—are restricted for UK-based accounts. Spot trading, however, remains accessible, provided users do not misrepresent their residency.

To continue using Binance after the UK ban, the most common method is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear as though you are accessing the internet from a different country—one where Binance is fully operational, such as Singapore or the United Arab Emirates. However, this approach carries risks. Binance actively verifies user locations through KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements and IP geolocation. If the platform detects that you are using a VPN to bypass restrictions, your account may be flagged, and you could be asked to verify your physical location with government-issued ID or face account suspension.

A safer alternative is to create a new account on Binance using a non-UK address. Some users have successfully registered using a friend’s or relative’s address in a country where Binance is allowed. But this also requires providing a utility bill or bank statement that matches that address during the verification process. Falsifying KYC information is against Binance’s terms of service, so this path should only be considered if you have a legitimate, verifiable address abroad. Otherwise, your account could be permanently banned.

For those who simply want to trade spot assets without complications, the best approach is to use a decentralized exchange (DEX) instead. Platforms like Uniswap or PancakeSwap do not require KYC and are not subject to the FCA’s jurisdiction. You can transfer your cryptocurrency from Binance to a self-custody wallet like MetaMask, and then trade directly from there. This completely bypasses the UK ban because no centralized entity is involved. One drawback is that DEXs generally offer fewer trading pairs and higher fees during network congestion, but they remain a legally sound option for UK residents.

Another practical step is to move your funds to a regulated UK exchange that offers similar trading services. Exchanges like Coinbase UK, Kraken, and Crypto.com operate legally under FCA supervision and allow UK users to trade spot cryptocurrencies without restrictions. They may have fewer altcoins than Binance, but they provide a safe, compliant environment. The process is simple: withdraw your crypto from Binance to a wallet, then deposit it on the new exchange. Be aware that withdrawal fees apply, and some coins may have minimum withdrawal amounts.

It is also worth noting that, as of late 2023, Binance has gradually regained some regulatory ground in other European jurisdictions, such as France and Italy, but the UK remains a red zone. If you are a new user based in the UK, you will fail the KYC process if you try to register on Binance.com with a UK passport or driving license. The system will automatically reject UK-issued documents for spot trading accounts that do not have pre-existing balances. Existing users who verified before the ban are generally allowed to keep their accounts active for withdrawals and spot trading, but new registrations are blocked.

Finally, always prioritize security. If you decide to use a VPN or work around the ban, be aware that customer support from Binance may be limited for users from restricted regions. You may not be able to recover lost funds if something goes wrong. Additionally, the FCA has warned that UK users trading on Binance “will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme,” meaning you are unprotected. For most people, the safest and most straightforward strategy is to fully migrate to a regulated UK exchange and use DEXs for specific trades that Binance no longer supports. This avoids the legal grey area entirely and ensures your assets are handled in a compliant manner.