Looking for leveraged trading platforms

Not really sure where to ask this, but here it goes. I'm searching for an exchange that offers leverage. I'm based in the UK, and unfortunately, it feels like the government has made leveraged trading impossible. I'm hoping to find a platform where I can get leverage like 5x or 8x. It would be great if they accept GBP deposits too, so I don't have to deal with the hassle of converting GBP to USDT and transferring wallets. Any recommendations?

Most popular centralized exchanges (coinbase pro, bybit, binance, and so on) allow leverage. There are also decentralized options like demex and hyperliquid. I would be careful of KYC requirements on centralized exchanges, and on decentralized exchanges I would be extra cautious with how you manage your keys and general cybersecurity. Both have caveats. Also, be aware of scam exchanges, or exchanges with low merit. There are a lot of them offering leveraged trading, though it can be easy to get caught in verification procedures that are intrusive and violate privacy (if that's important to you), and in worse cases, impossible to pass. Be careful when choosing an exchange, and when trading. Good luck

Best choices: Binance.com Start small! Good luck

I must ask you a question "Did you get profit with Spot trading?" and "Did you have positive net profit with Spot trading in long term?" Without net profit from Spot trading in long term, it's extremely dangerous for you to touch leverages. Now, one more question "what is 5x, 8x, and etc, what is the etc" here? Is it like higher leverages like 10x, 25x, 50x or 100x? You will suicide and lose money easily and quickly with leverages and a higher leverage you use, a more risk of losing your money.

A bad recommendation. Binance Markets Limited is not permitted to undertake any regulated activity in the UK - https://www.fca.org.uk/news/news-stories/consumer-warning-binance-markets-limited-and-binance-group The best choice for the OP would be to use the Coinbase UK or Kraken exchanges.

I'm very comfortable with leverage in pionex. It feels I'm in more control of what I'm leveraging on and with. Though you need to click the customize option but it still feels much more easier than editing the settings on any other exchange. I'm also doing leverage with binance, Kucoin and Bitget.

Since you are willing to Trade Future and you are interested in Future Trade. In this case I will always advise you to use Binance, coinbase, mexc  because it is in the top position in the world. And if you are not used to using it, you can get some advice from YouTube. However, you should open Trade with less leverage, because when the Leverage will take a lot of liquid zero, the higher the chance. Because predictions are not always right and analysis is not always accurate. Moreover, you will not be able to deposit directly to any exchanger in the state, but using the P2P and you can buy USDT with FIAT coin.

It's a good question and a good point. I am aware we are closing in on this cycle, maybe another 6 months max give or take if we go by traditional knowledge... Right now I am looking to take a few low level punts... Just £500 here and there with 5x to 10x... a few (imo) low risk trades considering where we are in the cycle.

Someone already mentioned Coinbase or Kraken above. Have you tried them? Seems like you can access leverage after you declare that you are qualified as high net borrowers (details probably on their help page)[1]. Sounds like you need to get approved before you can use them, but that should be expected if the regulations are as strict as you said above. CMIIW. [1] https://support.kraken.com/articles/margin-trading-for-clients-in-the-united-kingdom

This is the hard part. Supposedly if you're not burdened with converting your money to stabelcoin you can use DEX to make a leveraged trade, something like hyperliquid, jupiter, and so on. Since they are dex, their perpetual trading pairs are open to everyone.

Since you are from the UK, you might get issues trading with leverage. This is an issue with any countries including the USA. If you are depositting fiat then you need to use an exchange like Binance but most will only let you trade spot. There are some unregulated exchanges that might let you trade but you will need to deposit crypto, cant deposit fiat. And I would avoid those because they can run off with your deposit. Like others said, you can try using a DEX. But with a DEX you need crypto somehow, so you will need to make an account, buy some stable coins and withdraw those and then you can try a dex. However keep in mind if leverage trading is restricted in your country, many Defi platforms will have a ToS disclaimer and prevent letting you trade based on your ip address.

I have accounts with both..... Coinbase making me sit there and answer their stupid quiz in order to access my account, not got time for it! And Kraken as you say tells me I can't access leverage as I am 'not a high net worth' (wtf do they know)!. So both of those are in bed with governments, they are uselsss... I don't want to be told what I can and not do with my money! That is not the point of crypto is it!

I tried Bitunix or Bybit a while ago, maybe need to open them again..  But yes the UK goverment seem to think they have the power to tell you what you can and cannot do with your money..!?

OP, I advise you avoid this user and their recommendation. And any other that sends you a DM in respect to investments.