Bottlepay is one of a small number of cryptoasset firms to have secured such approval and is the first Lightning Network payments company to have done so.

FCA registration requires firms to demonstrate that they comply with the UK's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations. Businesses dealing with cryptoassets must register with the FCA to operate within the UK.

"Our registration with the FCA is an achievement not just for Bottlepay, but for the Lightning Network," said Bottlepay founder Pete Cheyne. "This registration goes to show that we can build the financial infrastructure of the future while upholding the regulatory and compliance standards of today."

By harnessing the power of Bitcoin's Lightning Network, Bottlepay is building a global and open instant payment network. For consumers, the Bottlepay app can be used to send payments in bitcoin, pounds, or euros instantly and without fees. Bottlepay also offers multiple integrations with some of the world's largest social networks like Twitter and Discord. For businesses, Bottlepay's infrastructure and APIs will soon be available to make integrating instant bitcoin payments seamless.

"We are incredibly proud of what the Bottlepay team has accomplished," said Yan Zhao, President of NYDIG. "Securing FCA registration is a breakthrough event and is a testament to NYDIG's and Bottlepay's commitment to compliance. Together with Bottlepay, we will continue to work hard to make the Bitcoin network accessible to all."