The Bank of England just threw down the gauntlet with a fresh consultation targeting GBP stablecoins deemed “systemic.”
Starting November 10, 2025, this is a full-on shakeup designed to keep the UK’s crypto playground safe without muzzling innovation.
Stablecoins are too big to ignore
Systemic stablecoins, you ask? I had to dig a little deeper first, but here’s the sauce.
Industry experts say these are the big fish in the UK’s sterling waters, the ones that could rattle payment systems if things go sideways.
HM Treasury gets to tag which stablecoins are “too big to ignore,” while the BoE cracks the whip on prudential rules. Basically, making sure these coins don’t pull any fast ones.
The FCA, the Financial Conduct Authority keeps an eye on how they behave. Smaller players like USDT and USDC won’t be bothered by these new rules but will stay under FCA supervision.
Temporary holding caps
Let’s talk limits because the BoE isn’t taking any chances. Based on the current informations, individuals face a cool (or not so cool) £20,000 cap per stablecoin, while businesses hit a much more impressive £10 million ceiling.
Of course, the Roller Club of major financial entities gets an exemption pass, no need to hold back there.
These temporary holding caps aim to prevent the crypto equivalent of bank runs, reigning in those lightning-fast redemptions until the credit risks take a chill pill.
Wholesale dealings in the Digital Securities Sandbox get a free pass, so the big experimental lab remains open for business.
Public consultation wraps up February next year
Industry experts say here’s where it gets nitty-gritty on reserves, because stablecoin issuers need to park 60% of their stash in short-term UK gilts, aka government bonds, if you’re not fluent in finance-speak, and keep the other 40% parked in non-interest-bearing BoE accounts.
Newcomers in the systemic club have to play it safer, starting with 95% gilts. Plus, the BoE is cooking up liquidity facilities, lifelines to grab cash in a crisis.
This whole setup is built on foundations laid in 2023, weaving into the UK’s grand plan to upgrade its payment systems.
Mark your calendars, public consultation wraps up February 10, 2026. After that, expect a joint transition roadmap from the BoE and FCA later in the year.
Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor of the BoE, called this move a “pivotal step for the UK’s stablecoin regime.”
It’s all about marrying innovation with a strong dose of monetary trust. Because what’s innovation worth if it blows up the financial castle?
Cryptocurrency and Web3 expert, founder of Kriptoworld
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With years of experience covering the blockchain space, András delivers insightful reporting on DeFi, tokenization, altcoins, and crypto regulations shaping the digital economy.
