Bank of England weighs softer rules for UK stablecoin issuers
The Bank of England is reconsidering its proposed framework for stablecoins, responding to concerns from digital asset firms that strict reserve rules and ownership caps could hinder the scalability of pound-backed tokens. This shift indicates a potential easing of regulations that have faced criticism for being overly conservative.

WPN Brief
- What Happened
The Bank of England is reconsidering its proposed framework for stablecoins, responding to concerns from digital asset firms that strict reserve rules and ownership caps could hinder the scalability of pound-backed tokens. This shift indicates a potential easing of regulations that have faced criticism for being overly conservative.
- Why It Matters
This development is significant for the Bank of England as it seeks to balance financial stability with the need to foster innovation in the cryptocurrency sector, which is increasingly becoming a vital part of the financial landscape.
- The Bigger Picture
The broader context reveals ongoing tensions between regulatory bodies and the stablecoin industry, with calls for more flexible regulations to encourage growth while addressing concerns about financial stability, especially in light of potential risks posed by foreign stablecoins during crises.
Related Reports
More coverage on this story
5 reports across the wire
Bank of England reconsiders strict stablecoin regime
The Bank of England is reconsidering its stringent regulations on stablecoins, including potential adjustments to ownership caps and reserve requirements, following significant backlash from the cryptocurrency industry. This shift indicates a willingness to foster innovation while ensuring financial stability.
Bank of England ready to water down 'overly conservative' stablecoin proposals: FT
The Bank of England (BOE) is reconsidering its stringent stablecoin proposals, which have faced criticism from the crypto industry for being overly conservative and potentially hindering the U.K.'s competitiveness in the digital economy.
Bank of England ready to scrap £20,000 stablecoin ownership cap after backlash
The Bank of England is poised to eliminate the £20,000 cap on stablecoin ownership following significant backlash from the crypto industry, which argued that such restrictions hindered innovation and competitiveness in the digital finance sector. This policy shift reflects a growing recognition of the need for more flexible regulations in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.
Bank of England chief says global stablecoin rules will ‘wrestle’ with US
Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, stated that global regulators will face challenges in establishing international standards for stablecoins, particularly in relation to US policies on dollar-backed tokens. This statement highlights the complexities of navigating regulatory frameworks in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
Bank of England’s Bailey warns US stablecoins could destabilize the UK in a crisis
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has issued a warning regarding the potential risks posed by US stablecoins, suggesting they could destabilize the UK during a financial crisis. This statement underscores the need for enhanced global regulatory coordination to address the cross-border financial instability risks associated with these digital currencies.