Is the UK Paving the Way to Become a Global Crypto Hub?
Led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the UK government is on the brink of ushering in comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation. Lisa Cameron, Chair of the Crypto & Digital Assets All-Party Parliamentary Group, foresees the coming generation of Brits leading the charge in the fintech sector.
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Today, the UK finds itself in the middle of a dilemma between two distinct approaches to cryptocurrency regulation. In the US, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) among other regulators, is taking stringent action against the largest cryptocurrency platforms, essentially nudging this business into different jurisdictions. The leading global economy does not appear to have a unified legal infrastructure for the cryptocurrency sector in sight. Conversely, the European Union has charted the legal course for cryptocurrency by adopting the Market in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation, set to be implemented in EU member states within the next year and a half. By embracing the European model, the UK aims to draw the gaze of American crypto investors.
We want this country to be a global hub – the very best place in the world to start and scale crypto-companies….If crypto-technologies are going to be a big part of the future, then we – the UK – want to be in, and in on the ground floor,
declared John Glen, Economic Secretary to the Treasury
The UK authorities are striving to have crypto legislation ratified by Parliament before the upcoming general elections in the autumn of 2024. Lisa Cameron, in mid-June, presented Parliament with the outcomes of an APPG study examining the challenges and implications of the cryptocurrency and digital asset industry. She emphasized the necessity for regulatory bodies to possess adequate resources and expertise for effective industry supervision. Furthermore, Ms. Cameron discussed the hurdles that some crypto companies face when trying to access banking services.
The APPG's recommendations, which aim to transform the UK into a global nexus for cryptocurrency and virtual assets, are particularly noteworthy. The document focuses on capitalizing on the UK's strengths in financial services and fintech to the fullest. Legislators are being urged not to overlook investment opportunities and to harness the potential for economic growth and job creation within the crypto sector. Existing crypto enterprises need backing, and it's apparent from the US example that the crypto industry is mobile and not resistant to relocation. To become a worldwide hub for cryptocurrency, digital assets, and fintech, it's crucial to keep pace with other countries in the race to regulate this emerging sector.
While cryptocurrencies and digital assets currently do not pose a systemic risk to the financial system, the APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group) emphasizes the need to remain mindful of potential dangers to financial stability, consumer rights, and the fight against economic crimes. Additionally, lawmakers propose exploring how cryptocurrencies can enhance financial accessibility for 1.2 million economically disadvantaged individuals in the UK.
The APPG also highlights the significant opportunities presented by blockchain technology in transparently distributing international financial aid and efficiently delivering funds to those in greatest need. Recent events such as the war in Ukraine and the devastating earthquake in Turkey have demonstrated that crypto transfers provide rapid assistance, reaching recipients within hours of tragic events.
Cryptocurrency can serve as a force for good. In times of war, the speed of transactions equates to saving lives. The ability to conduct crypto payments without intermediary delays has aided our army and preserved the lives of Ukrainians,
confirms Alex Bornyakov, the Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
British lawmakers invited the Ukrainian official to participate in a panel discussion entitled ‘The Power of Crypto and Emerging Technologies,' held within the British Parliament.
“Chair of the APPG @DrLisaCameronMP was delighted to welcome Ukraine Minister @abornyakov and his team to address the UK Parliament last week to talk about Ukraine’s positive use of cryptocurrency in response to the Russian invasion,” the APPG tweeted.
Representatives from Ukraine met with Members of the British Parliament Source: Twitter
Alex Bornyakov shared a remarkable insight — cryptocurrency became a true lifeline from the very beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Here's what happened: on the second day of the war, the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) imposed strict restrictions on using dollars or euros for payments, especially overseas. Digital money transfers were banned, and electronic transfers within the international SWIFT system were significantly delayed. These currency limitations created major hurdles in purchasing much-needed ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as transactions had to be conducted in foreign currencies. Ukrainians urgently needed a solution for fast and efficient transactions, and that's when cryptocurrency came to the rescue. Crypto assets enabled swift cross-border payments, ensuring the delivery of essential military and humanitarian aid.
The outcome is truly remarkable. According to a report by Crystal Blockchain on cryptocurrency donations to Ukraine, as of February 23, 2023, Ukrainian charitable foundations and organizations had gathered over $187 million worth of cryptocurrencies. Minister Bornyakov believes that these donations are likely the largest ever made in cryptocurrency throughout history.
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