Purchase Celsius (CEL) with Pound sterling (GBP) easily at Switchere and benefit from fast, secure transactions.
Celsius Network, with its native CEL token, emerged as a major centralized finance (CeFi) platform designed to bridge the gap between traditional banking and the world of digital assets. Its primary function was to offer users the ability to earn yield on their cryptocurrency holdings and to take out crypto-collateralized loans. The platform operated on a custodial basis, managing user funds to generate interest income through lending activities to institutional borrowers. This model positioned it as a user-friendly alternative for crypto holders seeking to put their assets to work without navigating complex DeFi protocols.
The CEL token was the core of its loyalty and rewards system. As a utility token, holding and using CEL provided tangible benefits within the Celsius ecosystem, such as preferential interest rates for both earning and borrowing. Users could receive higher yields on their deposited assets and lower rates on loans, with rewards often distributed weekly in the form of CEL. This tokenomics structure was designed to incentivize user loyalty and drive demand for the native asset. However, the platform faced significant operational challenges and market pressures, which ultimately led to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, profoundly impacting its users and reshaping the narrative around risk in the CeFi lending industry.
The GBP/CEL pair represents the exchange rate between the Great British Pound (GBP), a fiat currency, and the Celsius (CEL) token. It allows traders to buy or sell CEL directly using Sterling. CEL is the native utility token of the former Celsius Network, a centralized finance (CeFi) platform for crypto lending and yield generation. Trading this pair on a cryptocurrency exchange involves speculating on the value of CEL relative to GBP.
Originally, CEL was a utility token designed to provide benefits within the Celsius Network's ecosystem. Its primary functions included a loyalty program where holding more CEL offered users better rates. Users could earn higher weekly interest payments on their deposited digital assets, get discounts on loan interest, and earn CEL token rewards. Its utility was intrinsically linked to the active services of the lending platform.
CEL is an ERC-20 token on the Ethereum blockchain. For secure storage, you should transfer it from the cryptocurrency exchange to a non-custodial digital wallet where you control the private keys. Options include hardware wallets (like Ledger or Trezor) for maximum security, or software wallets (like MetaMask or Trust Wallet). Storing assets in a personal digital wallet significantly reduces the risk of loss from exchange-related issues.
To buy CEL with GBP, you typically need a fiat on-ramp on a cryptocurrency exchange that lists the CEL token. The most common methods for UK residents are UK Faster Payments, which offer near-instant bank transfers, and debit card purchases. Some platforms may also support CHAPS or BACS transfers for larger amounts. It is crucial to use an exchange that complies with UK regulations and performs KYC/AML checks.
The primary risk stems from the bankruptcy of the Celsius Network. Since the platform ceased operations, the CEL token has lost its original utility. Its current market value is driven almost entirely by speculation regarding the outcome of bankruptcy proceedings and potential future developments. This makes it a high-risk digital asset with extreme price volatility. Traders should be aware of low liquidity on some order books and the potential for delisting from exchanges.
Yes, any cryptocurrency exchange offering GBP trading pairs to UK residents must be registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for anti-money laundering (AML) purposes. This involves mandatory KYC/AML compliance, where users must verify their identity. Furthermore, the FCA has implemented strict rules around the marketing of high-risk cryptoassets to UK consumers. Always choose an FCA-registered platform for your fiat on-ramp to ensure regulatory compliance and a higher level of security.