Catenaa, Saturday, May 10, 2025-The UK Financial Conduct Authority is inviting public input on staking, lending, decentralized finance (DeFi), and other crypto-related activities as part of a new discussion paper released Friday, signaling a major step toward comprehensive digital asset regulation.
The consultation comes on the heels of draft legislation from the UK Treasury earlier this week that would expand the FCA’s regulatory reach over crypto exchanges, stablecoin issuers and DeFi platforms.
The initiative builds on the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2023, which granted the Treasury authority to craft new rules for digital assets.
The UK aims to close the gap with the European Union, which implemented its Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in 2023.
The FCA is requesting technical feedback on the Treasury’s proposals until May 25, with further details on rules related to market abuse, asset disclosure and listings expected in the coming months.
Finance Minister Rachel Reeves reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the UK a global hub for digital asset innovation during remarks at the Innovate Finance Global Summit.
She also announced plans for regulatory collaboration with US authorities.
The move follows growing industry calls for strategic clarity. In January, trade groups urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to appoint a crypto envoy and push forward a national blockchain strategy.
