The first half of 2025 brought significant developments in the regulation of digital and cryptoassets in the UK and EU. In this half-year update, we review these and look ahead to likely developments in the UK and EU in the...more
On 30 October 2023, the HM Treasury (HMT) published its much-anticipated response (Consultation Response) to its March 2023 consultation paper (Consultation) on the UK’s future financial services regime for cryptoassets....more
HM Treasury has published a response to its consultation on cryptoasset regulation, setting out its final proposals for the U.K.'s cryptoasset regulatory regime. The U.K. plans to make cryptoassets a new category of...more
On 7 June 2023, the U.K. government published a statutory instrument (the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) (Amendment) Order 2023 (FP (Amendment) Order) and related explanatory memorandum)...more
Following on from HM Treasury’s consultation and call for evidence on the regulation of cryptoassets and an updated policy approach in relation to financial promotions, a draft version of the Financial Services and Markets...more
On 28 February 2023, the House of Commons Treasury Committee questioned representatives from the Bank of England (the “BoE”) on the latest developments on its plans for the proposed UK Central Bank Digital Currency (“CBDC”)....more
The outlook for 2023 looks uncertain, following another tumultuous year. The collapse of a number of large cryptocurrency exchanges has shone another spotlight on the digital asset market. The financial system’s resilience...more
2023 is here and ESG developments have continued apace throughout January with ESG remaining squarely on the financial services regulatory agenda in the UK and internationally. In this edition, we share the latest key focal...more
Key developments of interest over the last month include: the UK Treasury publishing a review and call for evidence on the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and a post-implementation review of the Payment Card Interchange Fee...more
Innovate Finance and Shearman & Sterling has submitted a comprehensive evidence paper to the House of Commons Treasury Committee inquiry into crypto-assets. Analysis produced by Innovate Finance specially for the...more
HM Treasury has launched an inquiry into the role of crypto-assets in the U.K. and their regulatory framework. The inquiry poses questions on a range of subjects, including the likelihood of digital currencies (e.g.,...more
Key developments of interest over the last month include: Queen's Speech 2022 announces forthcoming Financial Services and Markets Bill; European Commission consultations and calls for evidence on PSD2 review and open...more
Following its July 2020 consultation, HM Treasury has published a consultation response on its proposals to amend the U.K.'s financial promotion rules. These include changes to subject unregulated crypto-assets to the...more
HM Treasury has confirmed that it will bring certain unregulated cryptoassets within scope of the financial promotions regime. On 18 January 2022, the UK government confirmed its intention to bring the promotion of certain...more
Key developments of interest over the last month include: United Kingdom: HM Treasury responds to Payments Landscape Review call for evidence Hong Kong: HKMA publishes white paper exploring the idea of a CBDC Italy: Bank of...more
United Kingdom: Financial Services Act 2021 becomes law - On 29 April 2021, the Financial Services Bill 2019-21 received Royal Assent. In a press release, HM Treasury described the Financial Services Act 2021 (the Act) as...more