What is Uniswap
Uniswap is the most widely used decentralised exchange (DEX) protocol on Ethereum, launched in 2018, letting users swap tokens directly via automated market maker contracts with no central intermediary.
The UNI token, distributed in 2020 partly via a well-known retroactive airdrop to the platform's historical users, grants voting rights over protocol governance, but doesn't automatically guarantee a share of trading fee revenue.
Frequently asked questions
Is Uniswap 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 Uniswap 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 Uniswap 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.
