UK Trade Groups Push for Blockchain in US Tech Collaboration

UK trade groups want blockchain included in the UK-US Tech Bridge to prevent regulatory fragmentation.

Stablecoins and tokenization are identified as critical growth areas for both economies.

The FCA will accept crypto license applications in 2026 and lift the ban on retail cETNs in October 2025.

UK trade groups are urging the government to include blockchain in future transatlantic technology agreements with the United States. In a coordinated move, organizations representing finance, technology, and digital assets delivered a letter to Business Secretary Peter Kyle. They warned that excluding blockchain from the “UK-US Tech Bridge” initiative could weaken the UK’s competitiveness against other global markets.

Industry Calls for Blockchain Integration

The letter was also sent to Lucy Rigby, Economic Secretary to the Treasury. It carried signatures from the Cryptoasset Business Council, UK Finance, and TheCityUK. A Bloomberg report reveals that these groups said distributed ledger technology should form a “core strand” of the planned collaboration

They argued that fragmented regulation and limited market access could emerge if London failed to align with Washington. Government officials responded by stressing that the UK and US remain “natural partners.” A spokesperson noted that cooperation already covers artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. Adding blockchain was presented as an extension of these efforts.

Key Growth Areas Identified

The groups named stablecoins and tokenization as central areas of opportunity. Tokenization has drawn increasing interest as experts predict more assets moving onchain. Stablecoin development gained new momentum after the United States passed legislation for the sector in July.

The proposals came ahead of President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the UK. His delegation includes major technology leaders such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang. Lobby groups said such meetings provide an opportunity to establish consistent digital asset policies.

UK’s Regulatory Steps and Market Moves

The Financial Conduct Authority plans to accept crypto license applications starting next year. Officials confirmed that the framework will address stablecoins, tokenization, and trading platforms. In addition, UK regulators discussed digital asset rules with US counterparts in June, including the UK’s Digital Securities Sandbox and potential cross-border payment reforms.

In another policy change, retail investors will again access crypto exchange-traded notes beginning October 2025. The FCA lifted a four-year ban, allowing purchases through approved platforms. Outside policy discussions, British companies continue shaping the digital asset market. The Smarter Web Company, the UK’s largest corporate Bitcoin holder, is preparing expansion through acquisitions. The firm controls 2,470 BTC, valued near $275 million Executives confirmed they aim for a future FTSE 100 listing within three years. Industry leaders argue that integrating blockchain within the UK-US Tech Bridge could anchor long-term growth. They also view regulatory alignment as essential for stablecoin innovation and tokenized markets.