A 180-Day Sprint To Coordinate Digital-Asset Policy
The United States and the United Kingdom have formed a joint task force to sync up rules for digital assets and capital markets. The group, unveiled in London after talks between UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aims to publish initial recommendations within 180 days.
Officials pitched the initiative as a practical way to give crypto firms clearer guardrails on both sides of the Atlantic. The task force will also look at how to make it easier for companies to raise money in London and New York without running into conflicting requirements.
What The Task Force Will Tackle First
The new forum upgrades ongoing conversations under the UK–U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group by adding structure and a deadline. It will focus on areas that create the most friction for cross-border businesses, including:
- Stablecoin treatment across jurisdictions, with an emphasis on reserves and redemption practices
- Rules for tokenized securities and disclosures for on-chain instruments
- Wallet custody standards and safeguards for client assets
- Market-integrity expectations for crypto trading venues
- Information-sharing and supervisory cooperation to cut duplicate compliance
For firms operating in both markets, this push could shorten licensing timelines and reduce uncertainty. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has already moved to accelerate approvals for crypto companies, part of a broader bid to position London as a hub for tokenized finance while keeping consumer protections front and center.
Why It Matters For London And Beyond
London wants to stem the flow of listings to New York and sharpen its competitive edge. Closer alignment with Washington could help by removing guesswork for exchanges, brokers, and issuers that straddle both markets. If the task force hits its 180-day goal, its proposals could set de facto international norms—especially on stablecoin reserves, tokenized-asset disclosures, and cross-border supervision.
However, thorny issues remain. U.S. policymakers still debate how to draw the line between securities and commodities in crypto. The UK is finalizing a sweeping framework that brings more digital-asset activities under financial-services regulation. Any joint outcome will need to reconcile different enforcement philosophies and legal mandates while still encouraging innovation and market depth.
A fast, coordinated rulebook could reduce fragmentation and speed responsible growth in digital assets. If London and Washington can deliver pragmatic, compatible standards, they may create a template others follow—and give both markets a timely boost.
