New cryptoassets task force unveiled as part of first ever Fintech Sector Strategy
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A new cryptoassets task force, the next steps in ‘robo-regulation’
to make it faster and easier for fintech firms to follow complex
regulations, and a new UK-Australia ‘fintech bridge’ to help UK
firms expand internationally, are some of the innovations expected
to be announced by the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, at the
government’s second International Fintech Conference, held today
(22nd March). They are set to form part of the government’s
first Fintech...Request free trial
A new cryptoassets task force, the next steps in ‘robo-regulation’
to make it faster and easier for fintech firms to follow complex
regulations, and a new UK-Australia ‘fintech bridge’ to help UK
firms expand internationally, are some of the innovations expected
to be announced by the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, at the government’s second
International Fintech Conference, held today
(22nd March).
They are set to form part of the government’s first Fintech Sector Strategy, which will be launched at the conference. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond said: “From the square mile in London to Scotland’s Silicon Glen, the UK leads the world in harnessing the power of fintech as we create an economy fit for the future. “I am committed to helping the sector grow and flourish, and our ambitious Sector Strategy sets out how we will ensure the UK remains at the cutting edge of the digital revolution. As part of that, a new task force will help the UK to manage the risks around Cryptoassets, as well as harnessing the potential benefits of the underlying technology.” The Fintech Sector Strategy will include:
At the conference the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Matt Hancock, will also announce that Tech City UK is building a world-leading Fintech Programme across the country. This will support new companies in the sector across the UK to become tomorrow’s global fintech firms. Digital and Culture Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We are determined to make Britain the best place to start and grow a digital business while giving consumers more choice when it comes to managing their money. This new nationwide fintech programme will help startups right across the country flourish in the future and spread the benefits of this pioneering technology.” At the conference, the Chancellor and Scott Morrison, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia, will sign a new Fintech Bridge agreement. This will help to open up a new important market for UK fintech firms wanting to expand internationally by selling their products and services in Australia. It will also help the two countries to harmonise policies across a range of issues relevant to fintech, and increase regulatory cooperation. Commenting on the UK-Australia Fintech Bridge, Philip Hammond said: “Today’s UK-Australia Fintech Bridge agreement is our most ambitious to date. It will bring together our regulators, policy makers, and private sectors to build an improved fintech ecosystem to support the growth of our fintech markets. “This is underpinned by the most advanced regulatory partnership that the FCA has signed, connecting the UK to a market of 24 million people and ensuring stronger commercial ties with Australia’s rapidly growing fintech sector.”
As part of the Fintech Bridge, Innovate Finance and FinTech Australia will introduce a regular business to business summit, advising the UK and Australian governments on how best to support the sector. Charlotte Crosswell, CEO, Innovate Finance said: "This exciting partnership between Innovate Finance and FinTech Australia will foster even stronger ties between the fintech communities of our two countries and is an important step in supporting innovation in financial services on an international scale. It offers an excellent opportunity to work together to share industry best practices, strengthen understanding and knowledge of each other's fintech markets, and drive progressive regulatory approaches to help our fintech sector grow." The UK fintech sector contributes £6.6 billion annually to the UK economy, and employs over 60,000 people across 1,600 companies. In the first three quarters of this year the sector received a record £2.1 billion investment. The conference will bring together international investors and UK fintech firms alongside leading industry figures, regulators and policymakers for a day-long programme of talks and pitches promoting the opportunities for global investment in the UK fintech sector. Keynote speakers include:
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