First Pure Crypto Firm on LSE
British cryptocurrency company KR1 is set to become the first pure crypto firm to list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The Isle of Man-based staking company will transfer its listing from the small-cap Aquis exchange to the LSE’s main market — a move that could attract more institutional investors and pave the way for other crypto-focused firms.
KR1 co-founder Keld van Schreven described the listing as a “starter gun” for the new asset class on the LSE. He believes other crypto companies will soon follow, either by uplisting or launching new listings in London.
Institutional confidence and regulatory shift
Although the LSE has hosted several digital asset treasury companies before — such as London BTC Company and Panther Metals — these mainly raise capital to buy and hold cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. KR1, valued at around £56 million, is distinct as it actively invests in early-stage blockchain projects and earns income from staking networks like Ethereum and Polkadot.
Founded in 2014, KR1 has made over 100 investments in digital asset tokens and plans to “double down on staking” as demand from institutional investors for blockchain validation services grows.
Van Schreven also noted a more open regulatory climate in the UK. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has expanded its internal crypto expertise, and recent reforms — such as lifting the ban on retail access to exchange-traded products (ETPs) — have encouraged major asset managers like BlackRock and Bitwise to list crypto investment vehicles on the LSE. KR1’s uplisting to the main market is expected to be completed next month.
Sources:
https://www.ft.com/content/59c67f2d-90a5-453d-bf3c-416493d60372
https://cryptonews.com/news/uk-opens-arms-to-crypto-as-kr1-targets-london-stock-exchange-listing/