Finance

Widely-used stablecoins need to be regulated like money, BoE's Bailey says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on October 1, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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LONDON (Reuters) -Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said on Wednesday that any stablecoin that becomes widely used as a means of payment in Britain needs to be regulated like standard banks, with

Bank of England Calls for Regulation of Widely Used Stablecoins

Regulation of Stablecoins in the UK

LONDON (Reuters) -Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said on Wednesday that any stablecoin that becomes widely used as a means of payment in Britain needs to be regulated like standard banks, with depositor protections and access to BoE reserve facilities.

Bailey's Perspective on Stablecoins

Bailey - a long-standing sceptic about cryptocurrencies - wrote in an article in the Financial Times that it would be "wrong to be against stablecoins as a matter of principle".

Upcoming BoE Consultation on Stablecoins

But he said their main current use as a way to enter and exit cryptocurrency trades did not amount to a standard money-like means of payment.

Implications for Financial Systems

Bailey confirmed the BoE would publish a consultation paper on stablecoins in the coming months.

"In doing so, we will set out that widely used UK stablecoins should have access to accounts at the BoE in order to reinforce their status as money," he said.

(Reporting by David Milliken; Editing by Kate Holton)

Key Takeaways

  • Stablecoins should be regulated like banks if widely used.
  • BoE Governor Bailey supports stablecoin regulation.
  • BoE to publish a consultation paper on stablecoins soon.
  • Stablecoins should have access to BoE accounts.
  • Bailey is skeptical of cryptocurrencies but sees potential in stablecoins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stablecoin?
A stablecoin is a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to a reserve asset, such as a currency or commodity, reducing volatility compared to other cryptocurrencies.
What is the role of the Bank of England?
The Bank of England is the central bank of the UK, responsible for maintaining monetary stability, regulating financial institutions, and overseeing the country's monetary policy.
What is a consultation paper?
A consultation paper is a document released by a regulatory body to gather feedback from stakeholders on proposed regulations or policies, allowing for public input before final decisions are made.

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