A coalition of six major UK trade associations is urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to make crypto and blockchain technology a strategic national priority, calling for coordinated policy, a dedicated envoy, and a long-term growth plan to secure the UK’s place in the global digital economy.
In a March 31 letter addressed to Varun Chandra, Starmer’s special adviser on business and investment, the coalition pressed for “greater strategic focus and alignment to deliver investment, growth, and jobs” across the UK’s digital asset ecosystem.
The trade bodies involved include:
- UK Cryptoasset Business Council
- Global Digital Finance
- The Payments Association
- Digital Currencies Governance Group
- Crypto Council for Innovation
- techUK
One of the central proposals is the appointment of a special envoy for blockchain and crypto, mirroring a move made by the United States under President Donald Trump, who recently named a dedicated crypto czar.
“Britain’s commitment to an economic trade deal focused on technological cooperation with the US presents a significant opportunity to mirror the United States’ ambition in fostering leadership in blockchain, digital assets, and other emerging financial technologies,” the letter stated.
The coalition emphasized that without a unified strategy, the UK risks falling behind fast-moving jurisdictions like Singapore, Dubai, and the EU in defining next-generation financial and technological infrastructure.
Recommended Measures: Action Plan, Industry Forum, Innovation Support
Beyond the envoy role, the trade groups proposed several key initiatives:
- A dedicated government action plan for digital assets and blockchain development
- A “concierge service” to attract high-growth crypto firms and streamline engagement
- A high-level forum to facilitate structured engagement between government, regulators, and industry leaders
- Integration of crypto innovation within broader AI and quantum computing initiatives, including applications for public services
“With deep pools of talent, access to capital, world-class academic institutions, and sophisticated regulators, the UK provides an environment where digital assets and blockchain innovation can thrive,” the letter stated.
According to the coalition, crypto and blockchain technology could add £57 billion ($73.6 billion) to the UK economy over the next decade. On a global scale, the technologies could boost GDP by £1.39 trillion ($1.8 trillion) by 2030.
Industry voices echoed the call for urgency. Tom Griffiths, co-founder and managing partner at crypto compliance firm BitCompli, commented on LinkedIn that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has the talent and insight to lead, but risks falling behind.
“The UK is definitely losing pace with Dubai, Singapore, and other EU jurisdictions,” Griffiths wrote.
What’s Next for UK Crypto Policy?
The letter underscores growing pressure on the Starmer government to take a more proactive and strategic approach to digital assets. While the UK has made incremental progress in clarifying crypto regulation, stakeholders argue that broader policy leadership is now needed to maintain economic competitiveness.
With global jurisdictions accelerating their own crypto integration and investment incentives, the next steps taken by the UK could determine whether it leads or lags in the future of finance and technology.
