Aave Labs, one of the biggest names in decentralized finance, has cleared an important regulatory threshold in the UK. The company’s UK subsidiaries, Push Labs Ltd. and Push Virtual Assets Ltd., have received registration approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as cryptoasset exchange providers.
The two companies, both operating under the “Push” brand, are now registered under the UK’s anti-money laundering rules. In addition, the company also holds Electronic Money Institution (EMI) authorization under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011. Together, these approvals give Aave Labs the ability to build end-to-end fiat-to-crypto infrastructure in the UK.
For now, the practical goal is clear: allowing users to transfer money directly from their bank accounts to Aave with zero fees, without leaving the app.
Aave Labs founder and CEO Stani Kulechov said the FCA EMI authorization and cryptoasset registrations provide the regulatory foundation needed to offer zero-fee on-chain consumer financial products in the UK.
A Growing License Map in Europe
These approvals mark the continuation of Aave Labs’ regulatory expansion across Europe in recent months. In November 2025, the company’s Irish subsidiary received a Crypto-Asset Service Provider license from the Central Bank of Ireland under MiCA. That license gives the company passporting rights across the entire European Economic Area.
After Brexit, the UK remained outside the EU framework, which meant a separate license was required. Aave Labs has now completed that step as well. The company is now positioned to operate under regulatory coverage both in continental Europe and in the UK.
Aave also remains the largest on-chain lending market by total value locked.
Funding, Products, Regulation
The timing of these approvals is also notable. In April, the Aave DAO approved a $25 million grant to the company. Around the same period, development work on Aave V4 and the GHO stablecoin also gained momentum. Taken together, the picture shows Aave Labs following a systematic path beyond its DeFi protocol identity and moving into licensed consumer finance.
There is also continued activity on the FCA side. In April, the regulator launched a consultation process on stablecoin issuance rules, trading platforms and custody services. Formal licensing applications are expected to open in September 2026, while the broader framework is expected to come into force in October 2027.
Aave Labs has secured its approvals before this timetable is fully finalized. While much of the sector is still waiting in line, the company has already taken its place in the UK.
At the time of writing, AAVE was trading at around $82.81.
