FCA weighs easing UK prediction market ban

Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority has reportedly discussed easing restrictions on retail financial prediction markets, but the regulator had announced no policy change as of September 7, 2026. Summary Britain’s FCA still treats financial prediction markets as binary options banned for retail consumers nationwide. The regulator reportedly held industry talks but has announced no policy reversal or rulemaking timetable. Sports and political prediction contracts fall under Gambling Commission oversight rather than direct FCA supervision. Britain’s permanent retail binary options ban has remained effective since April 2019, citing consumer harm. Overseas platforms may leave British users without domestic complaint procedures, compensation coverage or regulatory protection. The FCA held discussions with trading platforms about potentially reopening financial prediction markets to retail investors, according to a Times report. Industry representatives reportedly argued that British consumers already access overseas platforms, including Kalshi and Polymarket. The discussions have not produced a public consultation, proposed rule or implementation date. The regulator’s latest published...