The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom has taken an innovative approach to educate investors about its new marketing rules for crypto firms, which were published in June. The FCA has created a unique, minute-long animation styled like a video game, which was released as an MP4 file on its website on December 13. This cartoon, which stands out for its unconventional format, is featured on the FCA’s publications page without a caption or detailed explanation.
The animation serves as an educational tool, explaining how to assess whether crypto companies are adhering to the FCA’s marketing regulations. According to these rules, crypto promotional campaigns must not offer free gifts or referral bonuses and are required to prominently display a warning about the risks of losing money in crypto investments.
In the cartoon, the main character, depicted as a cowboy, traverses a Wild West setting on horseback. The concept of cryptocurrency is represented by a golden coin above a well, which drops into the well as the investor-cowboy approaches. As the narrator outlines the FCA’s marketing rules, the protagonist is shown hanging up a “Wanted” poster featuring a green snake wearing a tiny hat, symbolizing companies that fail to comply with the regulations.
As of the time of reporting, the FCA had not provided additional information in response to Cointelegraph’s inquiry about the cartoon.
Since the introduction of these marketing rules on June 8, the FCA has consistently issued warnings and reminders to ensure compliance. The authority even extended the technical compliance deadline from October 8, 2023, to January 8, 2024, to facilitate a smoother transition for crypto firms.
Despite these efforts, the new regulations have led some market participants, including Marinade Finance — the largest decentralized finance protocol on the Solana blockchain — to announce their withdrawal from the U.K. market. This response indicates the significant impact of the FCA’s rules on the crypto industry within the country.
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