What is Cardano
Cardano is a smart contract blockchain founded by Charles Hoskinson (an Ethereum co-founder), taking a development approach grounded in academic research subject to peer review.
Compared with rival platforms, Cardano has historically followed a slower, more methodical development pace — an approach valued by some and criticised by others for its slower adoption.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cardano regulated in the UK?
The UK has its own evolving regime for cryptoasset regulation, separate from the EU's MiCA framework. Crypto exchanges and custodians must register with the FCA for anti-money laundering purposes, but this doesn't equate to the investor protections that regulated financial instruments like ETFs and shares carry.
What's the difference between buying Cardano on an exchange versus via an ETP?
On an exchange you hold the keys directly (or the exchange custodies them for you); an ETP (Exchange Traded Product) is instead a listed financial instrument that tracks the price, purchasable through the same broker account you'd use for ETFs and shares.
How is Cardano taxed in the UK?
Gains from cryptocurrencies in the UK are generally subject to Capital Gains Tax, with specific rules that differ from those for ETFs and shares held in an ISA — this is an evolving area, so check the latest HMRC guidance or speak to a tax adviser for your situation.
