UK on Path Toward Crypto Clarity As Financial Services and Markets Bill Inches Toward Legislation

The United Kingdom (UK) is taking a step to increase regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies with the final approval of a bill related to digital assets.

According to a new press release, the Financial Services and Markets Act (FSMB) 2023 was granted Royal Assent, the final step in the process to become law.

The bill enables regulators to create a framework that will allow the safe adoption of crypto in the UK. The bill also empowers the UK’s HM Treasury to establish crypto regulations.

Teana Baker-Taylor, vice president for policy and regulatory strategy at stablecoin issuer Circle, is praising the bill’s passage in a series of tweets as well as explaining what it accomplishes.

Says Baker-Taylor,

“The UK’s Financial Services and Markets Bill has received Royal Assent, the final step for this major legislation, which brings stablecoins into the regulatory perimeter, designates crypto as regulated activity and supervision of crypto promotions.

[HM Treasury, Financial Conduct Authority and Bank of England] will continue consulting on the regulatory frameworks mandated by the FSMB. Economic Secretary to the Treasury [Andrew Griffith] has indicated that rule-making is a priority and could be introduced within 12 months.

This transformational legislation is a major step forward toward the UK becoming a leading jurisdiction for digital assets and crypto innovation, establishing regulatory clarity for market participants and attracting investment in the UK. Kudos to [Griffith] for this leadership in driving this progressive legislation forward.”

Jeffery Allaire, the CEO of Circle, which issues USD Coin (USDC) and Euro Coin (EUROC), says the bill will result in clearer rules for stablecoins and the broader digital asset market.

“UK stablecoin and crypto market regulatory clarity incoming.”

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