Is Zcash legal in the United Kingdom?
Legal to own and trade; Kraken offers ZEC to UK clients, and there is no privacy-coin-specific rule.
| Owning ZEC | Legal |
|---|---|
| Local exchanges | Available |
| National rule | No specific rule on privacy coins |
| Regulator | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); HMRC |
| Last reviewed | 25 October 2026 |
The legal situation in the United Kingdom
The UK has no law banning Zcash or privacy coins, and owning ZEC is legal. Kraken's regional-restrictions page (updated 30 Sep 2026) lists XMR, but not ZEC, for UK clients. Coinbase removed ZEC for UK customers in August 2019; its UK ZEC page now says ZEC is available, but that wording is the same on every locale. Gemini closed its UK accounts in April 2026. FCA-registered firms must meet AML and travel-rule obligations, the EU AMLR does not apply, and the FCA's new cryptoasset regime starts on 25 Oct 2027.
Key facts
- 2019-08-26: Coinbase UK customers could no longer hold ZEC; unmoved balances were sold into GBP.
- 2026-10: Coinbase's UK ZEC page says ZEC is available on its exchange and that sending to shielded addresses is not supported; the same wording appears on every Coinbase locale, and we found no dated report of a UK relisting.
- 2026-09-30: Kraken's regional-restrictions page (last updated 30 Sep 2026) lists XMR, but not ZEC, among assets UK clients cannot deposit or trade.
- 2026-04-06: Gemini closed all UK customer accounts (withdrawal-only from 5 Mar 2026).
- 2026-09-30: The FCA opened applications for its new cryptoasset regime (window to 28 Feb 2027); the regime starts on 25 Oct 2027. The FCA's guidance page does not mention privacy coins.
- Tax: Gains are subject to capital gains tax at 18% or 24% with a GBP 3,000 annual exemption; staking and mining are taxed as income.
What this means for you
Owning Zcash and keeping it in your own wallet is legal as far as we could find. Pick a wallet from our best Zcash wallets list, read how to buy Zcash, and keep records for tax.
Sources
bitcoin.tax, coinbase.com, fca.org.uk, support.gemini.com, support.kraken.com, theblock.co.
Sources are listed by publisher so you can look them up yourself; we do not link out.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Check the regulator's own website before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zcash legal in the United Kingdom?
Legal to own and trade; Kraken offers ZEC to UK clients, and there is no privacy-coin-specific rule.
Can I buy Zcash on a local exchange in the United Kingdom?
Yes, some licensed local exchanges list ZEC.