Deniz 
Promoting its aspirations in green finance, renminbi trading, sukuk issuing, and more lately, crypto, the United Kingdom has traditionally taken great satisfaction in leading in financial innovation. On blockchain and digital assets, the nation’s posture seems to be more rhetoric than reality, though. Although countries all around the world make great progress in these fields, the United Kingdom seems to be trailing.
Though blockchain bonds are discussed, development has been meager. Just 0.02% of the $7.3 trillion collected by conventional means in 2022 will be digital bonds. The Debt Management Office (DMO) of the United Kingdom and other players are dubious about the concept of using blockchain for government debt, sometimes referred to as gilts. Blockchain seems more like a diversion than a practical substitute for conventional systems to issuers and investors both.
One main obstacle is the highly regulated financial industry of the United Kingdom. Since big financial institutions still oppose using blockchain technology, crypto entrepreneurs find it tough to break through. Moreover, adding blockchain to old banking systems is quite costly. The stock market of Australia tried a similar project, but it came out short with $171 million.
Adoption of blockchain suffers yet another challenge from regulation. Although the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has tightened crypto advertising restrictions and instituted anti-money laundering procedures, the United Kingdom’s regulatory system is disconnected relative to the EU. The Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) of the European Union provides clearer rules for companies and investors, therefore supporting the efforts of the United Kingdom to shame.
Moreover, adding to the standstill is investor attitude in the United Kingdom. Rising volatility and recent tax reforms halving the tax-free allowed for capital gains on crypto have driven retail engagement in cryptocurrencies down. This has further tarnished public opinion along with extensive media coverage of crypto-based frauds and fraud.
Ultimately, the United Kingdom’s interest in blockchain and crypto innovation is still surface-level; without major changes, it might stay that way.
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