Solana-based memecoin platform, Pump fun, has barred access to users in the United Kingdom following a warning from the country’s financial regulator.

This decision marks a major development for one of the leading token launchpads, which has been at the center of both explosive growth and intense scrutiny since its launch earlier this year.

UK Users Blocked Amid Regulatory Warning

Pump fun has officially banned UK residents from accessing its services, citing compliance with local regulations. This decision came three days after the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a warning stating that the platform “may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission.”

The FCA emphasized that Pump fun was operating without the required authorization under UK financial laws. It further advised the public to avoid dealing with the platform and warned of the potential risks of losing funds.

PUMP FUN BANNED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM: WEBSITE pic.twitter.com/qk8YuuNMcQ

— Aggr News (@AggrNews) December 6, 2024

Pump fun responded swiftly by updating its website and terms of service to block UK users. A notice on the site now states that the United Kingdom is a restricted jurisdiction, and the platform is “unavailable to users in the United Kingdom.”

Pump fun Part of Solana’s Memecoin Boom

Since its debut in early 2024, Pump fun has become a central hub for creating and trading memecoins on the Solana blockchain.

The platform allows users to launch tokens without coding skills and has facilitated the creation of high-profile assets such as PNUT and WIF. These tokens contributed to a wave of meme-driven trading activity that generated $250 million for Pump fun’s founders.

Pump fun accounted for 62% of all decentralized exchange transactions on Solana in November, according to on-chain data from Dune Analytics. However, its rapid rise has been accompanied by mounting legal and ethical challenges, leading to calls for stricter oversight.

Regulatory Concerns and Past Controversies

Solana memecoin hub Pump fun has faced multiple controversies over its content moderation practices and lack of transparency. Earlier this year, the platform came under fire after reports of child exploitation material and violent content appearing during its now-disabled livestreaming feature.

The feature, which allowed token creators to promote their coins in real-time, was removed in response to widespread backlash.

Additionally, questions have been raised about the company’s legal structure and compliance. The FCA warning highlighted the platform’s failure to meet the country’s money laundering regulations, which require cryptocurrency firms operating in the UK to register and secure approval. With only 47 out of 347 applications approved by the FCA as of mid-2024, the agency has taken a firm stance against unregistered platforms.

Pump Fun Uncertain Future for UK-Based Founders

Pump fun’s origins in the UK add further complexity to its regulatory challenges. While the platform’s co-founders operate under pseudonyms, it is registered as Baton Corporation Ltd. in the UK. This means local authorities have jurisdiction over its activities and could impose further legal actions if the company is found to have violated UK laws.

Legal experts have pointed out that the platform’s lack of terms of service, privacy policies, and adequate content moderation could leave it vulnerable to more penalties. Crypto lawyer Preston Byrne noted,

“The fact that the individuals rumored to be the founding team are all UK residents complicates the picture…the UK has greater leverage over them than they would a U.S. team.”

While Pump fun has confirmed that the UK ban is permanent, it remains unclear how this development will affect its operations outside the region. The platform has yet to release an official public statement addressing the FCA’s warning or its next steps.

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Kelvin Munene Murithi

Kelvin is a distinguished writer with expertise in crypto and finance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science. Known for his incisive analysis and insightful content, he possesses a strong command of English and excels in conducting thorough research and delivering timely cryptocurrency market updates.

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