UK Plans Rapid Stablecoin Regulation to Keep Up with U.S.

Key Takeaways

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  The Bank of England plans to align its stablecoin rules with the United States.
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  Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden says coordination with the Fed is already underway.
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  Canada also outlined its own stablecoin framework this week.

Speaking at the SALT conference in London, Breeden said that coordination between the UK and U.S. on digital asset policy is already underway and that regulators are determined not to fall behind Washington’s progress after the passage of the GENIUS Act earlier this year.

She described policy alignment as crucial for two of the world’s most interconnected financial systems, noting that a synchronized framework would strengthen cross-border payment innovation and reduce regulatory gaps between markets.

Transatlantic Coordination Intensifies

The Bank of England is expected to publish its long-awaited stablecoin consultation paper on November 10, outlining how digital pound-linked tokens will fit into the country’s financial infrastructure. Breeden said that the central bank has been in close contact with the U.S. Federal Reserve, as both sides look to ensure consistent standards around reserve backing, redemption rights, and systemic safeguards.

Her comments follow months of behind-the-scenes engagement between policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic. In September, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met in London to deepen collaboration on crypto regulation — an effort that reflects a broader trend among G7 economies to establish clear rules for tokenized assets.

Industry advocates in the UK have been urging faster action, warning that slow regulatory progress risks pushing fintech innovation abroad.

Earlier Criticism and New Momentum

The Bank of England has faced pushback from crypto and payments groups over earlier policy proposals that would cap individual stablecoin holdings between £10,000 and £20,000, arguing that such limits would stifle adoption and be costly to implement. The central bank has since emphasized that its upcoming framework aims to balance safety with market growth.

Canada Joins the Race

Momentum for stablecoin regulation isn’t confined to the UK and U.S. This week, Canada revealed plans for its own regime, requiring issuers to maintain fully backed reserves and implement stricter risk management practices. The proposal forms part of a national payments modernization strategy designed to make digital transactions faster and more secure for Canadians.

Institutions Drive Real-World Usage

Meanwhile, global payment networks and money transfer companies are moving ahead with stablecoin integration. SWIFT, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Zelle have each begun testing or rolling out tokenized settlement solutions to speed up international transactions.

The U.S. Treasury projects the stablecoin sector could expand to $2 trillion by 2028, highlighting how quickly blockchain-based payment rails are becoming embedded in the traditional economy.

For Breeden and the Bank of England, the goal is clear — keep the UK competitive by ensuring its regulatory foundations evolve alongside its closest economic partner.