US, UK to Align Crypto Rules with Stablecoin Focus

- US and UK to align crypto regulatory frameworks. - Partnership includes shared regulatory sandboxes for digital finance innovation. On September 16, 2025, the Financial Times reported that the United States and the United Kingdom will establish a new collaborative effort to harmonize cryptocurrency regulatory frameworks. This initiative focuses on stablecoins and follows a high-level meeting in London between UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Representatives from major financial institutions and crypto-focused firms, including Coinbase, Circle, Ripple, Citi, Bank of America, and Barclays, also attended the meeting. The Block, Watcher Guru, and Coinpedia also reported on September 16 that the collaboration seeks to build greater competitiveness in the digital asset space while also aiming to attract American investment into the UK market. Central to the agreement is a proposal to create a shared digital securities sandbox, which will allow blockchain-based companies to test new products and services simultaneously in both jurisdictions under coordinated regulatory oversight. An open letter from 30 cryptocurrency industry executives amplified the push for this cooperation, urging Chancellor Reeves to include digital assets in broader bilateral agreements. The signatories noted concerns that the UK risks falling behind in regulatory leadership if it fails to act assertively, warning that Britain could become a "rule-taker rather than a rule-maker." The initiative also addresses criticisms of the UK's pace on stablecoin regulation. Former UK Chancellor George Osborne, now part of Coinbase's global advisory council, has publicly criticized Britain's approach, stating the country has been "completely left behind" on stablecoin policy. This partnership with the US is an important step for Britain to adopt and integrate digital assets while remaining competitive in the evolving cross-border digital finance landscape. Officials expect the plan to be a recurring topic in future transatlantic discussions and a key agenda item during President Trump's upcoming visit to London. This significant regulatory development coincides with market activity in dominant stablecoins and cryptocurrencies. According to CoinMarketCap data on September 16, stablecoins Tether USDt (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) both traded at $1.00. USDT’s 24-hour trading volume increased by 0.016%, while USDC’s saw a slight decrease of 0.003%. Meanwhile, XRP (XRP) was priced at $3.052, marking a 1.923% rise in its 24-hour trading volume. These figures underscore ongoing market activity as the crypto sector responds to regulatory milestones.