# U.K. Tax Agency Seeks Direct Crypto Data Access From Providers

By Riza Dagoc

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/regulation/27780
Published: 2026-10-08T06:24:07.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-08T06:24:07.000Z
Section: Regulation

> HM Revenue & Customs would update inspection rules for software and electronic records while potentially broadening the definition of covered crypto service providers.

The U.K. tax agency is seeking direct access to customer data held by crypto service providers, a move that could widen privacy risks by linking identities to public blockchain activity.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) would be able to request customer information directly from crypto service providers under the proposed changes. The agency also plans to update rules governing inspections of software and electronic records.

The definition of a crypto-asset service provider could extend beyond exchanges and custodial platforms. It may include noncustodial wallet software, blockchain explorers, hardware-wallet manufacturers and tax software providers.

The privacy concern centers on the public nature of Bitcoin (BTC) transaction records. If wallet addresses are linked to investors’ names, home addresses and tax identities, their long-term asset activity could become easier to trace.

That linkage could increase exposure to data breaches, extortion and personal attacks. The proposed changes would give HMRC broader access to customer information while revising the rules for examining software and electronic records.