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The UK government recently announced its plans to make the country a “global hub” for the crypto industry. This announcement comes after the industry criticised the UK for its stringent regulatory approach and a consultation was also conducted by the government in 2021.

However, while this announcement means that the UK will be set on a path to exploit the potential of crypto, some critics are not so sure the move is a good idea, claiming that cryptocurrency is a hotbed for criminal activity.

At The Salary Calculator, we’ll walk you through:

• How the UK will become a cryptohub
• What stablecoins are
• What the move means for the UK

UK to become home to a crypto hub

Back in 2021, the government held a consultation on its approach to cryptoasset regulation, with a particular focus on stablecoins. HM Treasury published a response to this consultation and call for evidence this month, and with that, made a number of announcements, including that the UK is to become a global hub for cryptoasset technology and investment.

Alongside this, the government said that stablecoins will be brought within regulation, and that it would legislate for a ‘financial market infrastructure sandbox’ named ‘CryptoSprint,’ which it said would encourage firms to innovate, and will be overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Likewise, a new body, namely the Cryptoasset Engagement Group, is to form and will see the government work with crypto companies. The government will also create an NFT (non-fungible token) via The Royal Mint.

Commenting on the government’s decision to move into the crypto space, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that it was part of his ambition to make the UK a “global hub for cryptoasset technology.” He went on to say that the measures will help ensure firms “can invest, innovate and scale up” the country. Sunak also said with this policy change, the government hopes to attract the “businesses of tomorrow.”

This announcement that the UK will become a cryptohub comes shortly after its top financial regulator issued a warning that those investing in crypto “should be prepared to lose all their money.”

What are stablecoins?

The world of crypto is undeniably steeped in confusion, and you’re not alone if, when hearing the word stablecoin, you find yourself scratching your head. Stablecoins are a form of cryptocurrency which are matched against typical currencies, like, for example, the dollar or the pound.

While both stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology, stablecoins are different from other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are much more volatile. Stablecoins will only change in value alongside changes in regular currency. This means that unlike Bitcoin, which seemingly crashes on a regular basis, wiping over $1 trillion from market value, it is just as its name says, stable, or as stable as a currency can be. According to the Treasury’s recent announcement, these coins will be regulated the same way the pound is regulated.

Is this a positive development?

While stablecoins, which came into existence back in the mid-2010s, are arguably a safer form of cryptocurrency, they do somewhat contradict the philosophical basis of such currency. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin were created to be decentralised, so there was no need for a trusted third party or governing body. As Ronald Mulder explains, “it is based on code, mathematics, cryptography, and game theory.”

Alpay Soytürk, Chief Regulatory Officer at Spectrum Markets, also points out that another problem with stablecoins are their “unknown or insufficient or both – reserves.” For example, in 2021, writing in The Conversation, Jean-Philippe Serbera, a Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, highlighted that while stablecoin providers promise they have reserves “worth 100% of the value of their stablecoins,” this is rarely the case. He gave the example of Tether, which holds 75% of its reserves in cash and equivalents, and USDC, which had 61% as of May 2021.

That said, cryptocurrencies, in general, are increasingly gaining popularity. One report, “Demystifying Crypto: Shedding light on the adoption of digital currencies for payments in 2022,” found that more people are adopting cryptocurrencies for online payments. Young people, in particular, are said to be in favour of using crypto payments. In 2021, for example, it was found that 30% of young people were open to these kinds of payments, and a further 23% of online businesses say they are planning on expanding their payment options to include crypto within the next few years.

Aside from using crypto for payments, studies show that more and more Millennials are investing in crypto. A recent survey found that 38% had invested in crypto to diversify their investments. Likewise, a Royal Mint survey found that the same percentage of Gen Z’s are following suit.

Moreover, despite the UK government seemingly welcoming crypto with open arms, it is addressing the concerns of some, such as Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey who warns that such currencies are a “front line” in criminal scams, and an “opportunity for the downright criminal.” According to John Glen, economic secretary to the Treasury, the government is aware of what kind of nefarious opportunities crypto presents but assured naysayers that it “won’t compromise” when it comes to anti-money laundering regulations.

That said, it is perhaps worth noting the other psychological harms associated with crypto trading.​​ According to addiction experts, some young men trading crypto have begun expressing symptoms of and seeking help for problem gambling. Speaking to The Times, Barry Grant, project manager of Extern Problem Gambling, said that those traders who he had encountered displayed “classic gambling addiction progression”. He explained: “You dabble with it. You do something small, you’re having a bit of fun. Maybe you’re doing a bit of research about it. Then, you have a big win.”