UK Treasury Official Emma Reynolds Denies Plans for Bitcoin Reserves

Breaking with U.S. policy, the UK government rejected plans for a national BTC reserve. At the Financial Times Digital Asset Summit, Emma Reynolds clarified that the UK will not mirror U.S. Bitcoin stockpiling. She stressed that such state-held Bitcoin assets do not suit the UK market. Reynolds argued the UK’s regulatory style is markedly different from recent U.S. approaches. This stance highlights a move away from aggressive asset accumulation. For example, the U.S. plan uses seized Bitcoin for strategic reserves.

JUST IN: Emma Reynolds of the UK Treasury said that the UK will not follow the US government's example in reserving $BTC. pic.twitter.com/u7m4usO72B

— Whale Insider (@WhaleInsider) May 6, 2025

Rather than plan a UK crypto reserve, policymakers seek strategic partnerships and global alignment. Emma Reynolds MP unveiled a senior official level working group with the U.S. Treasury. This group will discuss digital asset regulation and industry oversight. Officials stress that cross-border cooperation is vital for crypto challenges and opportunities. The forum is scheduled to convene in June for formal regulatory talks. It will shape shared rules and industry supervision. Although the UK declines a BTC reserve, it values regulatory collaboration.

UK Favors Custom Crypto Rules Over EU’s MiCA Framework

The UK is distancing itself from the EU’s MiCA regulatory framework. Emma Reynolds noted that the British system is less prescriptive than the EU model. She said the UK prefers bespoke rules over wholesale adoption of foreign standards. Though the government rejects a UK crypto reserve, it still backs blockchain innovation. Officials are exploring the use of distributed ledgers for sovereign debt issuance. Pilot procurement for blockchain-based bond issuance is underway this summer. This approach balances innovation and regulatory caution.

Emma Reynolds MP rejected any plan for a BTC reserve in the UK. She stressed that digital infrastructure can modernize financial instruments. Procurement work for blockchain-based debt issuance has already begun. A supplier selection is expected by late summer this year. These actions show the UK will not mimic U.S. asset stockpiling. Instead, the country embraces blockchain technology. This reflects a cautious yet innovative stance toward regulation. The government aims to balance growth with risk management. Blockchain bond issuance may debut this autumn.

U.S. Treasury Prepares Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Report

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury faces a deadline to establish its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. Secretary Scott Bessent must deliver a report on the legal and strategic implications of the BTC reserve. The analysis will also examine the reserve’s financial impact. President Trump’s executive order mandates the formation of this reserve. It will hold seized Bitcoin assets from legal cases. These holdings are not meant for sale. Instead, they act as a long-term hedge and reserve tool. The report must arrive by midsummer. This approach differs from the UK’s cautious stance.

U.S. Sets Deadlines for Digital Asset Policy 

The report will also examine a wider U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile proposal. This stockpile may include digital assets beyond Bitcoin. Officials want clear strategies for managing and expanding these holdings. They aim to avoid extra costs for taxpayers. This plan shows the U.S. commitment to digital assets in finance. It sharply contrasts with the UK’s view that a BTC reserve is unsuitable. Officials believe this approach enhances national financial resilience. Plan meeting deadlines adds policy urgency. They hope this framework guides future digital finance rules.

Global Impacts of Diverging Crypto Reserve Policies

These divergent policies carry significant global implications. The U.S. may leverage Bitcoin as a strategic asset in its reserve. In contrast, the UK values regulatory agility over reserve accumulation. Secretary Bessent’s report could set a benchmark for public finance. The UK’s refusal to build a UK crypto reserve may isolate it. This stance also shields the UK from crypto market volatility. Future collaboration or fragmentation will shape global digital finance. National crypto policies now directly influence financial innovation and stability. Dialogue between nations remains essential for coherent regulation.

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