UK's Crypto Regulation Progress and Future Policy Directions

According to Odaily, UK Finance has recently reviewed the progress of the UK's crypto regulation for 2025 and outlined key policy directions for 2026. Over the past year, discussions in the UK have focused on stablecoins, crypto asset trading platforms (CATPs), and market manipulation prevention. The regulatory focus is shifting from 'unbacked crypto assets' to stablecoins supported by real-world assets. UK Finance notes that regulators are increasingly viewing stablecoins as tools with payment and monetary attributes rather than purely investment-type crypto assets. This classification will directly impact redemption timelines, KYC requirements, and compliance costs for issuers. They also caution that if the regulatory burden on pound sterling stablecoins is higher than that on non-pound sterling stablecoins issued overseas, it could lead to issuers relocating, weakening the UK's control over stablecoins and monetary policy. Furthermore, UK Finance highlights that the core challenge for 2026 will be balancing innovation encouragement, consumer protection, and financial system resilience. This includes systemic stablecoin redemption rules, multi-currency and multi-issuer structure designs, and the integration of stablecoins with traditional payment systems. As the UK's Financial Conduct Authority launches a regulatory sandbox for non-systemic stablecoins, the country is entering the policy implementation phase. Whether the final regulatory framework can balance innovation and competitiveness will determine if London can maintain its status as an international financial center.