The Bank of England (BoE) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have presented proposals to incorporate stablecoins into everyday transactions, positioning the UK as a digital asset hub.

The UK seeks to welcome stablecoins as a practical method for purchasing goods and services. The proposals entail direct Bank of England supervision of stablecoin entities, the mandatory full backing of payment systems by central bank deposits, and the requirement for stablecoin issuers to outline strategies for managing redemptions, particularly in times of financial stress.

UK’s Drive to Embrace Digital Assets

These proposals are part of the UK’s broader initiative to establish itself as a key player in the digital asset realm. The country aims to enhance its position, as Brexit raises concerns about London’s continued dominance as Europe’s premier financial center. In alignment with its vision, the UK Treasury has detailed its approach to crypto regulation, intending to subject stablecoins to existing rules for traditional payment service providers.

The FCA’s Executive Director of Consumers and Competition, Sheldon Mills, expressed the potential of stablecoins to expedite and reduce the cost of transactions. Deputy Governor for Financial Stability at the Bank of England, Sarah Breeden, emphasized their capacity to improve digital retail payments in the UK.

Challenges Faced by Stablecoins

Although stablecoins offer promise, they have faced significant challenges in pegging to hard currencies. Notable incidents, such as Terra’s depegging in May and Circle’s USDC token devaluation due to exposure to a collapsed bank in March, have raised concerns. The proposed regulatory regime by BoE may not apply to existing stablecoins, primarily used for crypto payments rather than retail transactions. However, the situation could change rapidly, especially if stablecoins integrate with firms boasting large customer bases for payments.

The proposals also explore the possibility of allowing overseas stablecoins access to the UK payment ecosystem. “Payment arrangers,” complying with existing payment services regulations, would require FCA approval to assess the suitability of an overseas stablecoin for UK utilization. While accommodating overseas stablecoins in the UK economy offers benefits, it also poses potential drawbacks, as outlined in the discussion paper.

FCA’s Stringent Regulations on Crypto Marketing

To protect consumers, the FCA recently established stringent standards that prevent unauthorized entities from marketing crypto products, including stablecoins, to UK customers.

These proposals and regulations underscore the UK’s commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of digital assets while ensuring consumer protection and financial stability. The outcome of these initiatives will significantly influence the role of stablecoins in the country’s payment infrastructure.