Could writing Bitcoin code or running a node require FCA authorisation? Parts of the FCA's proposed guidance could be interpreted this way. BPUK has responded, calling for clearer rules on: - Developers and node operators
- Miners and non-custodial wallets
- Payments and Lightning
- Why stablecoins get different treatment Regulate financial services, not participation in Bitcoin's network. Read the full article and our submission:

Bitcoin Policy UK

Why Our Latest Response to FCA Asks for Clearer Bitcoin Guidance

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is proposing guidance that could bring Bitcoin developers, miners and non-custodial wallet providers within f...

@Susie Violet Ward @Dr Cristina LLMS

Who really controls Britain's digital state? MPs have warned that Palantir's growing presence in the UK public sector represents an “unacceptable point of weakness”. Its government work includes: - The National Health Service
- Ministry of Defence
- Financial Conduct Authority Palantir insists the government retains control of its data, but owning the data and being able to walk away from the technology are two very different things. If the government can't realistically change suppliers, who holds the power? Our latest blog investigates access to sensitive government systems, the revolving door between government and technology companies, vendor lock-in and Britain's growing dependence on a handful of US suppliers. Read the full article in our blog here:

Bitcoin Policy UK

Who Is Gaining Control Of Britain’s Digital State?

Britain wants to become a digital state. Increasingly, some of the technology needed to make that ambition possible is being supplied by a relative...

@Susie Violet Ward

Could HMRC's proposed new powers put Bitcoin holders at greater risk of physical attack? HMRC wants to expand its powers to demand information from crypto businesses, but UK tax software firm Recap warns that the draft definition could also capture businesses that never hold customer funds, including: - Tax software providers
- Wallet manufacturers
- Block explorers Once a name and home address are linked to a Bitcoin address, that connection can remain long after a tax inquiry has ended. If the information falls into the wrong hands, it could expose individuals to theft, extortion or physical attacks. Read the full article on our blog.

Bitcoin Policy UK

HMRC’s Proposed Crypto Powers Could Raise Physical Security Risks

HMRC is proposing to extend its information-gathering powers to cryptoasset businesses and update the rules governing computer records and software...

@Susie Violet Ward

Bitcoin is not a generic cryptoasset. We’ve written to the FCA arguing that “same risk, same regulation” should work both ways. Bitcoin has no issuer, no controlling company and no organisation that can change its supply or allocate tokens to insiders. It is not asking for special treatment. It is asking to be regulated according to the risks it actually presents. Read the full article and open letter:

Bitcoin Policy UK

Bitcoin Is Not a Generic Cryptoasset: Our Open Letter to the FCA

Bitcoin Policy UK has written to Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive of the Financial Conduct Authority, about Bitcoin’s treatment under the UK&#x...

@Susie Violet Ward

Stablecoin rules aren't aimed at Bitcoin, but the wording can reach further than intended. The Banking Act framework behind the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) joint stablecoin regime covers "digital settlement assets", a legal category that isn't limited to stablecoins. In our response we asked both regulators to confirm the regime applies to identifiable firms, not to: - open source protocols - non custodial wallets - node operators - Lightning routing We also asked how smaller issuers would be given enough time to meet the Bank’s rules. Read the full article and our submission:

Bitcoin Policy UK

BPUK Calls for a Clear Route Through Stablecoin Regulation

When HM Treasury recognises a stablecoin issuer as systemic, that issuer comes under the supervision of two regulators. The Bank of England and the...

@Susie Violet Ward

Labour conference is back in Liverpool. Last year Bitcoin Policy UK turned up with orange umbrellas and a stand in the main exhibition hall. We: - Put Bitcoin on the conference floor - Spoke to the FCA - Put Bitcoin books into politicians’ hands* - Took mining into the energy debate - Asked Peter Kyle about the UK's bitcoin - Spoke to MPs about UK Bitcoin policy A year later, Bitcoin is being used on stage as a political punchline. We’ll keep making sure the people writing the rules understand Bitcoin. This was a huge team effort. Thank you to everyone who made it what it was. * Lawrence Lepard's The Big Print and Jason Maier’s A Progressive’s Case for Bitcoin . Thank you both. H/t Russell Rukin for the umbrellas, booth and beautiful leaflets, Alex Glasse for filming and getting our very own “distracted boyfriend” moment and The Bitcoin IFA for spotting us on the news.

Bitcoin Policy UK has ended its consolidation phase and is moving into its next stage with a clearer structure and renewed focus. @Susie Violet Ward Violet Ward has resumed the role of CEO, with Cristina Llamas leading operations as COO. Even while operating at reduced capacity, the work continued. During consolidation BPUK: - responded to FCA Consultation Paper CP25/40 on cryptoasset regulation - sent its 2026 Manifesto to all 650 MPs - responded to the Government’s Digital ID consultation - published research on the structural risks of Bitcoin treasury companies - published and updated the BPUK Privacy Toolkit - responded to HMRC on stablecoin taxation - submitted evidence on banking access - responded to HMRC on cryptoasset lending - responded to the Bank of England on systemic stablecoins Susie said, “Bitcoin has no CEO, no head office and no central body speaking for it. Bitcoin does not need permission. Our job is to make sure policymakers understand how it works and where rules built around issuers and intermediaries do not fit.” BPUK remains a small, independent team run by volunteers with limited resources, but consolidation is over and we are excited about what comes next.

Bitcoin Policy UK

BPUK Ends Consolidation and Enters Next Phase

Bitcoin Policy UK (BPUK) has ended its consolidation phase and is moving into its next stage of operations. The organisation scaled back activity i...

The UK Government's proposed ban on social media for under-16s is intended to protect children online, but it also raises significant questions about privacy, digital identity and the future of internet access. Critics argue that requiring highly effective age verification could expand identity checks far beyond children, creating new surveillance infrastructure while leaving the underlying problems of addictive algorithms, harmful platform design and weak enforcement largely unchanged. The real question is whether identity verification is the most effective way to protect children online, or whether policymakers should place greater responsibility on platforms to design safer products. As Parliament considers the legislation, the challenge will be ensuring that efforts to improve child safety do not unintentionally redefine the internet into a space where identity verification becomes the norm for everyone. Read the full article in our blog here:

Bitcoin Policy UK

UK’s Under 16 Social Media Ban Risks Digital ID Expansion

The UK government has announced a ban on social media for under-16s, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer framing it as a way to give children their ch...

English courts have recognised bitcoin as property. The next question is whether they will enforce contractual obligations by awarding bitcoin itself. That issue was raised in Hussain v Fix, where the County Court was asked whether an alleged debt arising from a business agreement could be paid in BTC rather than sterling. The case sits at the intersection of contract law, digital asset law and commercial reality. If parties agree that an obligation is denominated in bitcoin, should the courts enforce that agreement as written, or convert the claim into pounds at judgment? The answer has significant implications for businesses using bitcoin in cross-border trade, treasury management and commercial settlements. It also raises broader questions about valuation, contractual intent and the practical consequences of recognising bitcoin as a form of property. Our latest article explores the legal issues raised by the case and why this question is likely to return before the English courts. Read the full article in our blog here.

Bitcoin Policy UK

English Court Asked Whether A Debt Can Be Paid In Bitcoin

A London County Court was asked whether it could order a debt to be paid in bitcoin, raising a key question for digital asset law. In Hussain v Fix...

@Susie Violet Ward

Have you subscribed to our podcast yet? “On the Record” is available wherever you get your content. Follow us on @Fountain here:

Fountain: Podcasts & Music

On the Record by Bitcoin Policy UK • Listen on Fountain

The UK's Bitcoin policy conversationOn the Record by Bitcoin Policy UK brings the organisation’s latest work and thinking to audio. Listen to po...

In our latest episode, we present an audio version of Bitcoin Policy UK's response to the Bank of England and HM Treasury on the Digital Pound, originally published on 31 May 2023. This paper sets out why a retail CBDC represents a fundamental shift in the relationship between citizens and the state, raising serious concerns around privacy, financial surveillance, programmability, and democratic oversight.

The only orange thing the Labour Party couldn’t ignore this week! Caption this.

Countdown to the Labour Party Annual Conference 2025: just two weeks to go. From 28 September to 1 October, policymakers, industry leaders, and delegates will gather in Liverpool for a pivotal event. For Bitcoin Policy UK, this is an opportunity to engage directly with MPs and provide evidence-based insights into how Bitcoin can strengthen the UK economy. We will highlight the real-world impact of missed opportunities. For example, the UK currently pays wind farms £1 billion a year to switch off turbines when the grid cannot handle excess power, while companies in Texas use surplus renewable energy to mine Bitcoin. The UK could do the same, turning waste into wealth. Our advocacy focuses on three priorities: A clear regulatory framework that supports businesses and encourages innovation Better education for policymakers on Bitcoin and its unique role Progressive policies that leverage renewable resources and unlock new opportunities We invite all attendees to visit Stand B4 in the main exhibition hall to join these important conversations. Mark your calendars and engage in the conversation!

Bitcoin Policy UK Invites Labour MPs to Discuss Bitcoin during Annual Conference 2025 We are pleased to announce that Bitcoin Policy UK has formally invited Labour Party MPs to meet with us at the upcoming Labour Party Annual Conference in Liverpool. 📍 You’ll find us at Stand B4 in the main exhibition hall. Our goal: to provide clear, evidence-based insights into the opportunities and challenges of Bitcoin, and to explain why Bitcoin deserves a distinct regulatory approach - separate from “crypto.” Key topics we’ll cover: 🔹 The distinction between Bitcoin and crypto 🔹 What Bitcoin is (and isn’t) 🔹 Real-world impact on UK businesses & consumers 🔹 Policy priorities for UK innovation & competitiveness We look forward to engaging with policymakers and shaping the conversation around the UK’s economic future.

Do you subscribe to our Substack? Our latest piece is now live:

Theatre on Brink of Second Production of World-First Bitcoin Treasure Hunt

LONDON, UK, August 2025 - In a global first, a new theatre production is embedding Bitcoin within its live performance.

📣 Exciting news! Bitcoin Policy UK is heading to the Labour Party Annual Conference 2025! 🗓️ 28 Sept - 1 Oct 📍 Exhibition Centre Liverpool 🏢 Stand B4 Join us to explore the world of Bitcoin, learn about its green energy impact, and discover how it empowers communities. Engage in policy discussions, network with experts, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of Bitcoin in the UK. See you there!

New episode: In this episode of ‘On the Record’, we share an audio version of the full response from Bitcoin Policy UK to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Discussion Paper DP25/1, which explores the future regulation of cryptoasset activities in the UK.

Fountain: Podcasts & Music

On the Record by Bitcoin Policy UK • Will the FCA drive UK bitcoin users offshore? Bitcoin Policy UK responds to FCA discussion paper DP25/1 on regulating cryptoasset activities • Listen on Fountain

In this episode, we share an audio version of the full response from Bitcoin Policy UK to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Discussion Paper DP25...

Did you know? @Susie Violet Ward will be speaking @BTC Prague 2025. Join us, June 19-21, to champion fair BTC policies & drive UK adoption. Also in attendance: @Adam Back @Daniel Prince @Joe Nakamoto

The UK is falling behind in Bitcoin policy.  We need a clear, pro-growth framework that fosters innovation.  Let’s fix this together.  Who should be paying attention? Please share & tag.

Bitcoin Policy UK

Bitcoin Policy UK

We champion good policies that will benefit all those in the UK who hold, use and mine Bitcoin

@Susie Violet Ward, our CEO, is heading to @Peter McCormack's CheatCode. It’s a three day Bitcoin experience with talks, workshops, parties, and plenty of conversation. If you’re going, make sure you say hi. cheatcode.co.uk

@Susie Violet Ward attended a UK screening of the documentary ‘God Bless Bitcoin’, followed by a panel discussion with Jordan Walker. The film explores the moral and ethical flaws in our current financial system and how Bitcoin offers an alternative. A brilliant film and a powerful conversation.