How a UK Company Can Hold Bitcoin on Its Balance Sheet (Straightforward, no drama)
There’s plenty of noise about Bitcoin (and Ethereum…. or any other crypto), most talk about ETFs and treasury plays like (Micro) Strategy. If you’re a regular UK company that simply wants to hold a measured amount of BTC (bitcoin) or ETH (ethereum), the practical setup is quick and simple - especially with a Coinpass Business account.
The 10-Minute Version
Open a Coinpass Business account (business-only onboarding). - open here
Send GBP from your company bank (Coinpass can help with bank transfers).
Buy BTC/ETH (market or limit order).
Choose where to hold: keep with Coinpass or withdraw to your own wallet.
Save your paperwork: trade confirmations, wallet addresses, and (if you withdraw) the on-chain transaction hash.
Tell your accountant at month/quarter end.
That’s it.
Step-by-Step (just what you need)
1) Create your Coinpass Business account
Have ready: certificate of incorporation, articles, PSC/ownership info, director ID docs.
When approved, enable 2FA for all users and set withdrawal address whitelists before moving any funds.
2) Fund in GBP
Use your company bank to send GBP to your Coinpass Business deposit account.
If your bank is cautious, Coinpass can assist with the transfer process.
3) Buy BTC/ETH
Place a market or limit order. Export the trade confirmation (timestamp, pair, size, price, fees) and save it.
4) Decide custody (two sensible choices)
Keep it with Coinpass (simplest): no keys to manage, fastest to sell later.
Self-custody (more control): withdraw to your company wallet (e.g., hardware wallet; for larger balances consider 2-of-3 multi-sig).
If withdrawing, send a small test first, then the remainder. Save the transaction hash and the destination address.
5) Save the essentials (your mini “evidence pack”)
Bank transfer proof (GBP → exchange)
Trade confirmation (CSV/PDF)
Your wallet address (if self-custody)
Transaction hash for any on-chain move
Put these in a shared folder Finance can access. It makes month-end painless.
6) Light-touch operations
Keep a small amount on-exchange only if you plan to sell; otherwise hold in your preferred wallet.
Review once a quarter: balances, security (2FA, whitelists), and whether your allocation is still appropriate.
Quick accounting heads-up (talk to your accountant)
Classification for most UK companies is typically intangible asset (unless you’re a crypto broker).
Measurement often at cost with impairment (some use fair value).
Tax is usually on disposal (when you sell).
Provide Finance with: trade exports, end-period holdings, and any on-chain hashes if you self-custody.
(This is deliberately brief—your accountant will set the exact policy for your company.)
Simple risk checklist (keep it boring, keep it safe)
Security: 2FA for all users; withdrawal whitelists; view-only access for Finance.
Size: start small; consider a cap as a % of free cash.
Liquidity: don’t park payroll—keep operating runway in fiat.
Backups: if self-custody, store seed phrases separately and test a small recovery transaction quarterly.
Why Coinpass Business?
Business-only onboarding suitable for UK companies.
GBP rails with support if your bank needs reassurance.
Clean exports for Finance and an easy path to buy, hold, or sell.
Bottom line
If you want a modest BTC/ETH position as part of treasury, you don’t need ETFs, special structures, or months of work. A Coinpass Business account, a basic purchase, and tidy record-keeping will get you there today.
Disclaimer: This article is a technical how-to for businesses, not investment, accounting, tax or legal advice. Cryptoassets are volatile and involve risk. Speak to your professional advisers about accounting treatment, taxation, and any regulatory obligations relevant to your circumstances.