Crypto Risk Warning

Last updated: 30 October 2026

The key risks

1. You could lose all your money

The value of crypto assets can rise or fall very quickly, sometimes in minutes. Prices are driven by supply and demand, sentiment and news, not by any guaranteed underlying value. Some crypto assets have fallen to zero. Past performance is not a guide to the future.

2. You are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong

Crypto assets are generally not covered by deposit guarantee schemes or investor compensation schemes (such as Ireland's Deposit Guarantee Scheme or the UK's Financial Services Compensation Scheme). If a platform, exchange or token issuer fails, you may not get your money back.

3. You may not be able to sell when you want to

Some crypto assets can be hard to sell quickly, especially in volatile markets, and prices you can sell at may be much lower than you expect.

4. Stablecoins carry risk too

Stablecoins aim to keep a steady value (for example, one US dollar), but they can lose that link if the issuer's reserves are insufficient, the market loses confidence, or the issuer fails.

5. Transactions can't be reversed

Blockchain transactions are final. If you send crypto to the wrong address or the wrong network, or are tricked into sending it, it's usually gone permanently. Always check the address and network before you confirm.

6. If you lose your keys, you lose your crypto

In a self-custody wallet, you control your keys. Global Secure Business cannot recover your wallet or your crypto if you lose access to your device and recovery details.

7. Watch out for scams

Crypto is a common target for fraud: fake investment schemes, impersonation, "guaranteed returns", romance scams and fake support staff. We will never ask for your PIN, password or recovery phrase, and we will never ask you to move your crypto to "keep it safe". If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

8. Complex products are riskier

Products such as staking, lending, yield and leveraged trading carry extra risks, including losing your crypto entirely, lock-up periods and technical failures. Make sure you understand a product before using it.

9. Technology and network risk

Blockchains, smart contracts and the networks that run them can have bugs, be attacked, become congested or change their rules (forks). Network fees can rise sharply, and transactions can be delayed.

10. Rules are changing

Laws and regulations for crypto assets are still developing and differ between countries. Changes could affect the value of crypto assets, how you can use them, and the services we can offer. Gains from crypto may be taxable: check your own position.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Putting all your money into a single type of investment is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less reliant on any one of them doing well. A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments.

Get help

Nothing on Global Secure Business is financial advice. If you're unsure, speak to a regulated financial adviser. If you think you've been scammed, contact your bank and the police straight away, and tell us at [email protected].