UK and US Set to Tighten Crypto Ties as London Eyes Trump-Era Policies

The United Kingdom and the United States are preparing to strengthen cooperation on digital assets, with British officials signaling an interest in mirroring the Trump administration’s crypto-friendly approach to spur innovation, according to a report by the Financial Times.

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met on Tuesday to explore deeper coordination on digital asset policy. People familiar with the talks said the meeting included executives from leading crypto companies such as Coinbase, Circle Internet Group, and Ripple, as well as senior representatives from Bank of America, Barclays, and Citi.

Last-Minute Push for a Friendlier Stance

The agreement reportedly came together at the last minute after UK crypto advocacy groups urged the government to adopt a more open posture toward digital assets. Those groups argued that the country’s cautious regulatory stance has slowed innovation and left the UK trailing other major markets.

Stablecoins are expected to be a key topic in any deal. President Donald Trump has made the sector a policy priority, and his family has significant business interests tied to it. Advocacy groups have also criticized the Bank of England’s recent proposal to cap individual stablecoin holdings at £10,000 to £20,000 ($13,650–$27,300), calling the plan costly and difficult to implement.

Crypto users in Britain have voiced frustrations as well. In a recent survey of 2,000 crypto investors, about 40% said their banks had blocked or delayed payments to digital asset providers, a response often linked to fears of fraud, scams, and volatility.

Regulatory Alignment and Market Opportunity

Despite the cautious approach, the UK has made progress on regulation. A framework introduced in May would treat crypto exchanges, dealers, and agents similarly to traditional financial firms, emphasizing strong compliance, transparency, and consumer protection. Reeves reportedly believes that closer alignment with U.S. rules could give British companies broader access to American markets and attract more investment from across the Atlantic.

One source stated there is a “huge opportunity for the UK in digital assets,” and that the Trump administration’s supportive stance is “vital to unlocking adoption” in Britain. Officials from both countries are already working on digital-securities sandboxes, which would let financial firms test blockchain-based services under controlled conditions.

Public interest appears to be growing. An Aviva study found that 27% of UK adults would consider adding crypto to their retirement portfolios, and about one in five—roughly 11.6 million people—have already invested in digital assets. Two-thirds of those investors say they still hold cryptocurrencies, suggesting long-term confidence despite recent market turbulence.