Championing the Growth and Success of UK Crowdfunding

Join the UKCFA as we advocate for the advancement of the crowdfunding industry, providing support, guidance, and representation for our members, while empowering businesses and entrepreneurs to access diverse funding opportunities.

Advocacy & Representation

Defending the interests of the UK crowdfunding sector, working with government, regulators, and stakeholders for a thriving ecosystem.

Education & Awareness

Promoting crowdfunding benefits, risks, and opportunities, fostering an informed market and broader acceptance of alternative financing.

Networking & Collaboration

Connecting industry members for shared experiences and innovation, empowering businesses and entrepreneurs through collective support.

Become a Member of UKCFA

The Leading Voice for UK Crowdfunding

We Empower and Support the Growth of the Crowdfunding Industry – From Innovative Startups to Established Platforms and Related Businesses.

We Enhance the Impact of Crowdfunding

Promoting Industry Excellence by Connecting Members, Regulators, Financial Services Firms, and Government, Both in the UK and Internationally.

We Are Shaping the Future of Funding

Fostering a Vibrant Crowdfunding Ecosystem that Enables Greater Access to Diverse Funding Opportunities and Drives Positive Change.

A Collective Force in Crowdfunding

A Network of Pioneers Shaping the Future of Crowdfunding

News & Announcement

UKCFA Welcomes Crowdcube’s POP Authorisation

UKCFA welcomes and congratulates Crowdcube on becoming one of the first platforms authorised as a Public Offer Platform (POP) under POATR.

AI, the Regulatory Perimeter, and the Next Retail Investment Trap

As the FCA looks at the impact of AI, there’s an uncomfortable question we need to ask

2026: The Year When….

Is 2026 the year of the retail investor?
Or the year private markets come out of the shadows?
Perhaps it is both. We discuss this convergence of these two conversations.

What is crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is raising money directly from a large number of people all putting in relatively small amounts of money.

What is the difference between debt and equity crowdfunding?

Debt crowdfunding is when investors lend money to a company, who then repays the investor on a regular basis. The company has to pay their debts before taking any profits, and if the company went under then debtors would get paid first. So this is a lower risk form of investment than Equity.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount for investment or donation?

These will vary according to the crowdfunding platform you use. In some cases investments and donations can be as low as £5, with no ceiling on the amount you invest, others may cap the total investment you make as a percentage of your net assets.

Why are some crowdfunding platforms regulated and not others?

Every crowdfunding platform has made its own assessment as to whether it needs to be regulated by the FCA or any other body in order to conduct its business. The UK Crowdfunding Association does not take a position as to when regulation is and isn’t required.

What happens if a business or venture I invest in or donate to goes bust?

Your money is always at risk and if you make an investment and the company goes into liquidation, you risk losing some or all of your investment. You will be treated like other investors of the same class by the liquidators, who will divide up any remaining assets in the business in proportion to shareholdings.

How do I know a crowdfunding platform is following this code?

Crowdfunding platforms with the black UK Crowdfunding Association’s logo have signed up to this code of practice. Platforms that can not meet this requirement will not be invited to join the Association and will have their membership withdrawn if they fail to meet it on an ongoing basis.

What is the difference between a donation and an investment?

A donation is essentially a gift: you give money to a project that you like – they may or may not offer a reward such as the product, a T-shirt or your name being included in credits etc. An investment is where you pay money to a company in the hope of making a return over time.