What is Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu is a meme coin launched in 2020, inspired like Dogecoin by the Shiba Inu dog, presented by its creators as a "decentralised experiment" built on the Ethereum network rather than its own blockchain.
Over time the project has expanded its offering with its own decentralised exchange (ShibaSwap) and a layer-2 blockchain (Shibarium), though it remains a highly speculative, community-driven asset without an established technical use case.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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.
