UK Crypto Rules Lag Behind Global Ambitions, Agant CEO Warns

Highlights:

• The UK crypto rules threaten its goals of becoming a global hub of digital assets.
• Agant CEO encourages stricter regulation measures to remain competitive.
• Blockchain has become the priority for future financial growth among UK banks.

The United Kingdom aims to become a global leader in the digital assets sector, but the slow regulatory progress could undermine it. Andrew MacKenzie, CEO of pound-pegged crypto developer Agant, recently highlighted the threats posed by delayed UK crypto rules. These delays would hinder the competitiveness of the UK, as the government pledges to make London the center of crypto activities.

According to the CoinDesk report, MacKenzie was concerned about the pace of regulatory changes in the UK. He noted that these delays are in contradiction to the government’s aim of becoming a global crypto leader. He said that industry players seek clarity, and the slow process may lose competitive advantages.

Despite this, the UK continues to be a major player in the sector, especially due to its regulatory milestones. The recent registration of Agant by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is a step in the right direction. FCA’s registration can be regarded as one of the most stringent in the world since the approval takes a long process.

JUST IN: UK crypto rules too slow to support global hub ambitions, says Agant CEO #crypto pic.twitter.com/tOJzTCnfoW

— CryptoFuseDaily (@cryptofusedaily) February 17, 2026

Institutional Focus and Global Ambitions

Agant is set to issue a pound-backed stablecoin, GBPA, targeting institutional payments, settlements, and tokenized assets. This move indicates its plans of serving institutional markets, rather than targeting retail crypto users.

MacKenzie noted that stablecoins with a well-designed approach would improve monetary sovereignty and create competition in financial services. MacKenzie is optimistic even though the UK is slow to take legislative action. He also added that regulators have been receptive to changes where there are valid concerns.

No comprehensive laws on crypto and stablecoins have been enacted by the government, and new laws are anticipated in 2027. The FCA’s crypto consultations, which ended this month, show that the regulator has been open to feedback, which shows their readiness to adjust.

The UK Treasury is drafting rules to bring cryptocurrencies and related services under FCA supervision from 2027, regulating exchanges and digital wallets like other financial products with transparency and compliance requirements. The government is also planning to ban political…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) December 15, 2025

The position regarding stablecoins remains controversial. MacKenzie dismissed the claims of the European central banks and US private banks. He suggested that stablecoins provide a new way of expanding sovereign monetary reach without endangering it. He also believes that stablecoins can reduce the expenditure of central banks by providing national currencies with a global reach. Agant can potentially reduce the cost of holding assets, which are denominated in sterling, by issuing a pound-pegged token.

UK Banks Shift Toward Blockchain Adoption

MacKenzie also noted that the UK banks have changed their approach towards blockchain. Most banks that were skeptical about it previously are evaluating it as a strategic priority. The change is clear as the discussion of blockchain is rising to the C-suite. Banks are starting to see the importance of programmable reconciliation, instant settlement, and cross-border interoperability.

MacKenzie considers this to be a significant shift. He thinks that momentum is building, though the transition to blockchain will require time. He compared it to the transformation of traditional banking to digital banking over the decades. Although the transition to blockchain might require 30 years, UK banks are paying more attention to long-term benefits.

Why This Matters

The slow rollout of crypto rules in the UK jeopardizes its goal of becoming a digital asset powerhouse. The country may lose its competitive edge to fast-moving jurisdictions with the key laws anticipated only in 2027. Clarity and speed are vital in terms of attracting investment and innovation in the sector.

Businesses in the UK are also being affected by delays, and they require clear guidelines in order to operate effectively. Unless regulators act quickly, the country risks missing the opportunity of tapping into the expansion of the global digital asset market.