What to Know:
- UK trade groups push for blockchain as a key pillar in the UK–US Tech Bridge.
- Industry calls for a national stablecoin strategy to avoid falling behind.
- Excluding blockchain could cost the UK £57B and weaken its global influence.
A group of leading UK trade organizations is urging the government to make blockchain a central part of the upcoming UK–US “tech bridge” deal. The call comes just days before US President Donald Trump visits London with a delegation of top technology executives.
The letter, addressed to UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle, was signed by more than a dozen groups representing the finance, technology, and crypto sectors. They argue that blockchain should be included as a key area of cooperation between the two nations. The groups said leaving blockchain out of the deal would be a “missed opportunity” that risks pushing the UK behind other regions such as Asia and the Middle East.
The trade groups wrote, “Excluding digital assets from the UK–US Tech Bridge would be a missed opportunity. It risks leaving Britain on the sidelines while others move ahead in setting the standards that will shape the future of finance.” The letter was also sent to Lucy Rigby, the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, whose office handles crypto policy.
The Bigger Picture
The UK–US Tech Bridge is expected to focus on areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. But lobby groups want blockchain to be a fourth pillar. They believe blockchain has the power to transform finance, trade, and even government services. An X user summarized the concern well: “UK’s £57B blockchain economic potential gets locked out if they’re excluded from setting international standards while US and other jurisdictions move ahead.”
The push also reflects the UK’s struggle to catch up with global crypto regulation. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged in 2022 to make Britain a “global hub for cryptoasset technology.” However, progress has been slow compared to the EU and the US. The Financial Conduct Authority is still consulting on a regulatory framework and is expected to begin accepting crypto license applications next year.
Push for a National Stablecoin Strategy
Last month, several major crypto firms, including Coinbase, Kraken, BitGo, Fireblocks and others urged the UK government to develop a national stablecoin strategy, according to CNBC.
In an open letter to Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, these firms said the UK risks being left behind unless it supports stablecoins in a more positive way. They argued stablecoins shouldn’t be treated only as a “risk to be contained” but as part of the financial infrastructure that could help with payments, trade, and innovation.
The letter noted the UK plans legislation for all digital assets by the end of the year. But the firms asked for rules that are less restrictive than the current stance so that stablecoins can grow safely rather than being squeezed by regulation.
What’s at Stake
The groups warn that without coordinated action, UK companies could face fragmented rules, less access to the US market, and rising competitive pressure from other regions. By working together under the Tech Bridge, the UK and US could create shared standards, making it easier for businesses on both sides to grow.
The UK government has responded cautiously. A spokesperson said, “The UK and the United States are natural partners as the only allied countries with trillion-dollar tech sectors, and we already partner on a range of important technologies such as AI, quantum, and cybersecurity.” However, they declined to comment on any possible new announcements.
Looking Ahead
President Trump’s visit is likely to lead to new promises to work together on technology, with big announcements about investments in AI and data centers. Adding blockchain to the UK–US Tech Bridge could send a strong message that both countries see digital assets as part of the economy of the future.
The trade groups are making their case very clear right now. They think that blockchain shouldn’t be an afterthought but rather a technology that could change the way business and finance work. In the next few weeks, as more information about the Tech Bridge agreement comes out, we will know if the UK government is listening.
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