CRYPTOCURRENCY
UK Extends Stablecoin Regulation Consultation Period, Seeks Inclusive Feedback
The Bank of England and the Financial Conduct Authority have extended the feedback deadline for stablecoin regulation to February 12, aiming for a comprehensive, inclusive regulatory framework.
UK Advancing Towards a Digital Pound: Exploring CBDC Feasibility
The UK's Bank of England (BoE) and HM Treasury are advancing into the second phase of exploring the feasibility of a digital pound, also known as "Britcoin." A final decision is yet to be made, with a focus on user privacy and coexistence with cash.
Bank of England Tests DLT Settlement System
The Bank of England and the BIS Innovation Hub London Center successfully tested a distributed ledger technology-powered settlements system through Project Meridian, which could be extended to other asset classes to reduce time, costs, and risks of transactions.
HSBC approves multi-million-pound bonuses for Silicon Valley Bank UK staff
HSBC UK Bank, which acquired Silicon Valley Bank UK for just one pound, has reportedly approved multi-million-pound bonuses for its staff and senior executives. The bonus pool, totaling between £15m and £20m, was described as "modest" by insiders and was said to be in honor of previously agreed payments and to retain key staff.
Bank of England halts Silicon Valley Bank UK branch operations
The Bank of England has ordered the Silicon Valley Bank's UK branch to halt its operations as it has limited presence and no critical functions supporting the financial system. The bank will be placed into a Bank Insolvency Procedure, and eligible depositors will be paid out by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to the protected limit of £85,000, with the remaining assets and liabilities being managed by bank liquidators. UK venture capitalists and a nonprofit organization have expressed concern as several startups and investors have significant exposure to the SVB UK, including prominent blockchain VCs who have over $6 billion in assets at the bank.
UK's Bank Regulator to Propose Rules for Digital Asset Issuance
The Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) in the United Kingdom is set to propose rules for issuing and holding digital assets, according to Vicky Saporta, executive director of the Prudential Policy Directorate at the Bank of England. The rules will be developed in compliance with the Basel III rules and the Financial Services and Markets (FSM) bill currently being considered by Parliament.
UK lacks expertise for central bank digital currency
UK is unlikely to issue a central bank digital currency (CBDC) as the Bank of England lacks the necessary technical skills, according to Jon Cunliffe, the deputy governor. The BoE plans to partner with the private sector to test a digital pound in a simulated environment, with the aim of gaining the required expertise to develop a working prototype.
The United Kingdom Tax Reform Council Launches Campaign Against Bank of England
UK Tax Reform Council and Bitcoin community worry over Bank of England's CBDC intentions.
The UK is a step closer to launching a central bank digital currency
The Bank of England thinks crypto stablecoins and a central-bank-issued "digital pound" might coexist.
The Bank of England and the United Kingdom's Treasury are working on a digital asset
UK's finance minister said the Digital Pound's goal is to create a "trust, accessible, and easy-to-use" digital asset.