Catenaa, Wednesday, March 19, 2025- The UK government has announced plans to pilot a new form of government debt, known as digital gilts, using blockchain technology.
This initiative, designed to streamline the issuance and trading of short-term government bonds, will utilize Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), which operates independently from traditional debt systems. The project aims to improve liquidity, reduce costs, and broaden market participation by eliminating intermediaries.
A policy paper released on March 19 outlines the digital gilt initiative, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves leading discussions with key fintech firms such as Revolut, Wise, Stripe, and Zilch to shape the project.
The digital gilts, referred to as DIGIT, will be fully transferable securities on a DLT platform, marking a significant step towards modernizing the UK’s capital markets.
The pilot will begin within two years and is expected to enhance transparency, shorten settlement times, and make it easier for both large and small investors to participate. The Treasury believes this project will help solidify the UK’s leadership in digital innovation while supporting economic growth.
International efforts to digitize sovereign debt are also underway, with countries like Slovenia, Singapore, and Germany testing blockchain-based bonds. Supporters argue that the technology could revolutionize bond markets by reducing risks and speeding up transactions, though broader adoption will depend on regulatory clarity, technological reliability, and market adaptation.
