UK Rules Out National Bitcoin Reserve, Emphasizes Digital Asset Regulation

According to ShibDaily, the United Kingdom has decided against establishing a national Bitcoin reserve, diverging from potential U.S. plans to hold digital assets at a national level. Emma Reynolds MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, announced this decision during her speech at the Financial Times Digital Asset Summit in London. Reynolds stated that accumulating Bitcoin is not part of the UK's strategy, emphasizing that it is not suitable for their market. She acknowledged the U.S.'s approach but clarified that it is not the UK's plan. Despite this, Reynolds highlighted the importance of transatlantic cooperation, noting that the UK seeks alignment with the United States. She mentioned recent discussions between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as the formation of a senior official level working group between the UK and the U.S. to enhance collaboration on digital asset policy. An upcoming meeting of the regulatory forum in June will include discussions on digital asset collaboration. Reynolds pointed out a significant shift in the U.S. approach to crypto regulation, describing it as a major change from the previous administration under U.S. President Donald Trump. Reynolds also revealed that the UK government is exploring the issuance of sovereign debt using distributed ledger technology, with the procurement process already underway and plans to select a supplier by late summer. Additionally, she stated that the UK does not intend to replicate the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, opting instead to develop its own tailored approach to digital asset regulation. The UK’s legislative approach focuses more on regulatory outcomes rather than replicating the EU’s rule-based model. Reynolds emphasized that the UK intends to regulate digital assets within the same framework that governs traditional financial institutions, advocating for a 'same risk, same regulatory approach' philosophy. She acknowledged that certain aspects of the cryptocurrency sector are beyond the reach of government regulation, noting the challenges posed by decentralized elements. While the UK has firmly dismissed the idea of establishing a Bitcoin reserve, it continues to focus on developing a balanced and forward-thinking approach to digital asset regulation. As the global landscape evolves, the government remains committed to fostering innovation while ensuring stability within the financial ecosystem, without the need for a national cryptocurrency stockpile.