The UK is gearing up to present its crypto-regulatory framework in 2025. The announcement, made during the City & Financial Global Tokenisation Summit in London, underscores the Labour government’s commitment to balancing innovation with safety in the digital asset space.
Step in to know what it means for you!
What’s Changing for Stablecoins and Staking?
As per the Bloomberg report, the new framework will give a major facelift to how stablecoins and staking are regulated. Currently, stablecoins fall under payment services rules, which don’t align well with their unique role of maintaining value stability tied to fiat currencies like the US dollar. Under the updated rules, stablecoins will get their own tailored guidelines, designed to fit their purpose and support their growth.
On the staking side, the government aims to clear up legal uncertainties. Staking, where users lock up tokens to support blockchain operations and earn rewards, is often treated as a collective investment scheme, which brings heavy financial regulations. The government plans to reclassify it as a technology service, making it easier for staking to thrive without unnecessary red tape.
Why Now?
The timing is strategic. The EU is about to implement its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework, and the incoming Trump administration in the US is signaling a crypto-friendly stance. Both regions are moving fast, and the UK doesn’t want to be left behind in what many see as the next financial revolution.
Industry Reaction
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq explained that tackling everything in one go makes sense, especially after delays caused by the general election. She added that streamlining stablecoins and staking regulations into a single framework is key to encouraging innovation while ensuring safety.
Paybis founder Innokenty Isers applauded the move, emphasizing its importance. “If the UK doesn’t catch up with the EU’s MiCA framework or the pro-crypto sentiment from Trump’s election, it risks missing out on massive financial opportunities,” he said.
Adding to this, Dante Disparte, Circle’s global head of policy, said in October that he expects the UK to introduce stablecoin regulations within months, not years. “We’ll be waiting for it,” he added, as companies await clearer rules.
Will the UK keep up with the current trend to leverage this trillion-dollar industry? We will see!