FCA highlights stablecoin payments as a 2026 priority, calling for strong consumer protections and robust regulation to ensure their safe and responsible integration into the UK financial system

The FCA has set stablecoin payments as a priority for 2026, supporting UK-issued stablecoins to enable faster, more convenient payments and allowing firms to experiment safely through its regulatory sandbox. Its one-year growth update highlights that most of its nearly 50 growth commitments have been delivered, including reforms to scale firms, boost home ownership, enhance capital markets, accelerate digital innovation (e.g., AI sandbox), reduce regulatory burdens, support start-ups and high-growth firms, and strengthen international trade and investment…