Pump.fun Blocks UK Users Following FCA Warning

The Solana-based meme coin launchpad Pump.fun has restricted access for users in the United Kingdom, citing compliance with UK laws and regulations. The move comes just three days after the country’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued a warning about the platform, alleging it was promoting financial services without authorization.

“This site is currently unavailable to users in the United Kingdom,” reads a notice on Pump.fun’s website, adding that the restriction is permanent.

FCA Warning Spurs UK Ban

The FCA’s warning advised the public to avoid Pump.fun, stating:

“This firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams.”

While the FCA declined to comment further, Pump.fun co-founder Alon confirmed that the decision to block UK users was voluntary and not mandated by regulators. “Everything that has to be said is on the site,” Alon told, emphasizing that the ban is final.

A Troubled History

Controversies and Criticism

Since its launch in January 2024, Pump.fun has been marred by ethical and legal controversies:

1. Livestreaming Scandals:
   • In May, a platform user set himself on fire during a livestream to promote a meme coin, prompting Pump.fun to add streaming as a native feature.
   • Subsequent incidents included threats to animals, the beheading of a chicken, and a faked suicide, leading to the removal of the livestreaming feature.
2. Content Moderation Failures:
   • In October, child sexual abuse material was found on the platform, raising questions about the company’s ability to moderate content effectively.
3. Employee Sabotage:
   • Earlier this year, former employee Jarett Dunn drained $2 million from the protocol, claiming his actions were aimed at exposing the company’s harmful practices.

Despite these issues, Pump.fun accounted for 62% of Solana transactions in November, according to Dune Analytics.

Legal Challenges Loom

UK Registration and Oversight

Pump.fun is registered in the UK as Baton Corporation Ltd., with its team reportedly operating out of London at the time of Dunn’s attack. This raises questions about the company’s legal standing and compliance with UK regulations.

Preston Byrne, Managing Partner at Byrne & Storm, highlighted the risks faced by Pump.fun, stating:

“The UK does not tolerate low levels of content moderation. The lack of terms of service, DMCA registration, copyright policy, and privacy policy puts the company in a precarious legal position.”

Byrne also noted that the rumored UK residency of the founding team could make them more vulnerable to legal action within the country.

The Future of Pump.fun

The ban on UK users signals a growing regulatory crackdown on platforms with insufficient compliance measures. While Pump.fun remains operational elsewhere, its troubled history and mounting legal challenges may force the platform to reassess its operations globally.

With its UK registration and operations under scrutiny, the platform’s future is uncertain as it navigates a complex web of regulatory and ethical issues.