UK and US Align Crypto Rules to Challenge EU and Set Global Benchmark

The United States and the United Kingdom have jointly introduced the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, aiming to synchronize digital asset and capital market regulations. Unveiled on September 22, 2025, this initiative is spearheaded by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and U.S. Commerce Secretary Scott Bessent. Its purpose is to encourage cooperation on international financial innovation and tackle issues arising in the fast-changing crypto landscape UK and US Launch Joint Task Force for Digital Asset Regulation [ 1 ]. This collaboration builds upon the strong economic ties between the two countries, which currently have £1.2 trillion invested in each other's economies U.S., U.K. Form Task Force to Align on Crypto and Capital Markets [ 2 ].

Operating under the UK-U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group, the task force has a 180-day timeline to present its recommendations. Its agenda covers immediate steps like enabling cross-border digital asset applications, as well as long-term plans to develop wholesale digital market infrastructure US and UK Create Joint Task Force for Crypto Regulation Alignment [ 3 ]. Officials have highlighted that the project’s main objectives are to unify regulatory standards, simplify access to capital markets, and strengthen oversight of stablecoins and tokenized assets. The partnership is set to bridge regulatory gaps between the U.S. and UK, with industry leaders such as

taking part in the consultation process US–UK Crypto Alliance: What It Is, Who’s Involved, Why It Matters [ 4 ].

Experts in the field point out the task force’s strategic importance, suggesting it could serve as a counterbalance to the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which is currently the most extensive crypto regulatory framework worldwide. By aligning UK and U.S. policies, the task force may create a regulatory environment that attracts crypto businesses seeking easier compliance, potentially shifting the industry’s focus away from the EU UK and US Launch Joint Task Force for Digital Asset Regulation [ 1 ]. Mark Aruliah from Elliptic called the initiative a recognition of the digital asset sector, noting that it could become a global standard if adopted by other regions U.S., U.K. Form Task Force to Align on Crypto and Capital Markets [ 2 ].

The task force is composed of representatives from HM Treasury, the U.S. Treasury, and regulatory bodies such as the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Reeves emphasized the need for London and New York—described as the world’s financial hubs—to work together as technology transforms markets US and UK Create Joint Task Force for Crypto Regulation Alignment [ 3 ]. Bessent agreed, presenting the partnership as a pledge to ensure financial innovation is not limited by national borders. The initiative also aims to make it easier for companies to raise capital internationally and to harmonize disclosure standards, reducing barriers for businesses operating in both countries US–UK Crypto Alliance: What It Is, Who’s Involved, Why It Matters [ 4 ].

Although the task force’s initial focus will be on digital asset regulation and wholesale market modernization, its broader impact could extend to the overall financial infrastructure. For example, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s recent trial of publishing GDP statistics on blockchain—intended to improve data reliability—reflects a growing interest in decentralized technologies across both public and private sectors US–UK Crypto Alliance: What It Is, Who’s Involved, Why It Matters [ 4 ]. The task force’s efforts may also shape how governments and organizations use blockchain for official records, potentially increasing confidence in digital finance systems.

Active involvement from the industry is seen as vital to the task force’s effectiveness. Coinbase, a prominent participant, has voiced its support, viewing the initiative as a way to “reinforce a joint dedication to greater transparency and accountability.” Other major banks and fintech companies are also expected to offer their perspectives, ensuring that the task force’s recommendations are grounded in practical market realities US and UK Create Joint Task Force for Crypto Regulation Alignment [ 3 ]. This focus on input from the private sector reflects a wider trend in regulatory development, where industry feedback is increasingly valued for balancing innovation with effective risk controls.

As the task force progresses, analysts will be watching its initial whitepapers and policy drafts closely. Its success in bringing together different regulatory systems could become a model for international crypto regulation, especially as the industry faces ongoing fragmentation and unpredictability. By choosing cooperation over rivalry, the UK and U.S. hope to establish themselves as frontrunners in shaping digital finance’s future—a goal that depends on the task force’s ability to turn shared ambitions into practical, cross-border outcomes UK and US Launch Joint Task Force for Digital Asset Regulation [ 1 ].