UK Industry Groups Push to Include Blockchain in UK–US ‘Tech Bridge’ Deal

Highlights:

• U.K. finance and tech groups urge government to prioritize blockchain in bilateral talks.
• Failing to adopt digital assets could leave Britain behind other global financial centers.
• Partnering with the U.S. on AI, quantum computing, and crypto strengthens competitiveness.

A group of finance and technology organizations in the United Kingdom is asking the government to make blockchain a key part of its planned “tech bridge” deal with the United States. This request comes as part of ongoing discussions to boost cooperation between the two countries in emerging technologies. On Friday, several industry groups, including the U.K. Cryptoasset Business Council, UK Finance, and TheCityUK, sent a joint letter to Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby.

Blockchain Critical for U.K.-U.S. Tech Collaboration

The groups emphasized that stablecoins, tokenization, and other digital asset tools are becoming essential for both economies. They said that without blockchain, the agreement could miss one of the fastest-growing areas in global finance. The letter called leaving out blockchain a “missed opportunity” that might put Britain behind its competitors. It noted that financial centers in Asia and the Middle East are already advancing digital asset rules and standards. The groups warned that if the U.K. does not act, other regions will set the future rules of international finance, which could limit Britain’s influence.

The document says that distributed ledger technology should be a “core strand” of the U.K.-U.S. tech collaboration ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit next week. The initiative comes after Trump supported blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies during his second term. The letter adds that, together with other emerging technologies, it is shaping the next generation of financial services and infrastructure. It helps improve capital flows, enables faster and cheaper payments, increases efficiency and productivity, and promotes wider financial inclusion.

UK trade groups have urged the UK Business Secretary to include blockchain collaboration in the upcoming UK–US Tech Bridge agreement. In a letter, they emphasized the strategic importance of stablecoins and tokenization for both economies. They warned that excluding digital…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) September 12, 2025

Partnership on AI, Quantum, and Crypto to Strengthen Innovation

The officials also mention the U.S. as Britain’s closest partner for technological cooperation. The two countries share trillion-dollar tech industries and already cooperate in the realms of cybersecurity, defense projects, and research in artificial intelligence. British Ambassador in Washington Peter Mandelson recently underlined the usefulness of co-operative work in high-tech sectors like AI and quantum computing. The comment disclosed the government’s belief in seeing joint research and investment as a precondition for remaining competitive.

Developing technologies like AI and quantum computing need investment that only the largest economies can support. For this reason, Britain considers working with the U.S. essential. By combining resources and expertise, the two countries aim to stay leaders in innovation while competing with rivals such as China.

Moreover, in April, the U.K. Treasury indicated plans to cooperate with the U.S. on crypto regulation after Chancellor Rachel Reeves met Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington. Reeves promised to make Britain a hub for digital asset innovation with clearer rules, reflecting the Trump administration’s pro-crypto approach. “Firms offering services for cryptoassets like Bitcoin and Ethereum will be subject to new, clear rules, boosting investor confidence and driving growth,” Reeves said at the time.

The UK government will collaborate with US officials on plans to regulate the crypto industry, distancing itself from European concerns about Trump’s embrace of the sector https://t.co/15vyZi2Pau

— Bloomberg (@business) April 29, 2025