Bitcoin Policy UK 2025: a year of real progress.
Thanks to our members and supporters, Bitcoin is now formally recognised as property under UK law, a major step for legal clarity, innovation, and adoption.
From policy papers to Parliament, events to engagement, we moved the dial.
In 2026: we build momentum.
Read our CEO’s full year-in-review letter here:
https://bitcoinpolicy.uk/blog-1/f/letter-from-our-ceo---2025-review-of-bitcoin-policy-in-the-uk
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When it comes to Bitcoin, Africa isn’t waiting, it’s leading.
At the African Bitcoin Conference, builders showed how Bitcoin is solving real problems: high remittance fees, broken currencies, limited banking access, and energy gaps.
From education to microgrids to circular economies, Africa is using Bitcoin to build real financial freedom.
Read more in our latest blog:
https://bitcoinpolicy.uk/blog-1/f/africa-turns-to-bitcoin-for-real-financial-solutions
The African Bitcoin Conference showed that you don’t need to wait for permission.
Real world adoption, energy innovation and policy coordination are accelerating across the continent.
Africa is building the future.
It was an honour for nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduq3samnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwwdhx7un59eek7cmfv9kq9xeuxy and nostr:nprofile1qqs80cjjxm2psuux933tsd0w5ljjtf49j9rxnxmyajweh3cgg5ca76gpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wd68ytnzvuhszrthwden5te0vfexytnfduhszw9xk2 to represent Bitcoin Policy UK and be part of these conversations.
You can read more about the projects we saw here:
Bitcoin is Property
The UK has officially recognised Bitcoin and other digital assets as a new category of personal property under the Property (Digital Assets etc.) Act 2025.
This is a major step forward for legal clarity, investor confidence and innovation.
We are proud that our work at Bitcoin Policy UK has helped drive progress. We’ll continue advocating for fair tax rules and clear regulation in 2026.
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Read more in our latest blog:
Bitcoin is Property: It's Official Under The UK's Digital Assets Act 2025
The UK has enacted the Property (Digital Assets etc.) Act 2025, formally recognising digital assets, including Bitcoin and crypto, as a new category of property.
This act, which received Royal Assent from King Charles III and came into force yesterday, introduces a "third category" of personal property beyond traditional things (like physical objects) and claims (like debts or intellectual property). This third type of personal property is digital assets, a class that includes Bitcoin, crypto, NFTs, and other tokenised digital items. This provides legal clarity, enabling better consumer protection against theft, fraud, or disputes in insolvency cases. It also strengthens the foundations for institutional adoption and future innovation across the UK’s digital asset landscape by providing a clear legal basis for ownership and transfer.
Bitcoin Policy UK has long championed legal clarity for digital assets, and this milestone reflects the impact of our advocacy, helping drive real, legislative progress in the UK.
We remain committed to shaping the next wave of smart, fair regulation.
nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduq3samnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwwdhx7un59eek7cmfv9kq9xeuxy
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Our CEO Susie Violet Ward and our Chief Policy Officer Freddie New will be speaking at the Africa Bitcoin Conference in Mauritius.
We are looking forward to joining builders and advocates from across the continent pushing Bitcoin forward.
nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpzamhxue69uhhyetvv9ujucm4wfex2mn59en8j6gprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuumwdae8gtnnda3kjctva7l7dt will be speaking on Bitcoin and Defending Monetary Freedom.
nostr:nprofile1qqs80cjjxm2psuux933tsd0w5ljjtf49j9rxnxmyajweh3cgg5ca76gpzpmhxue69uhkummnw3ezumt0d5hsz9mhwvaz7tm4d438yetv9ekx7cmpdsargwp58qhsdar63z will be speaking on The Dangers of CBDCs.
For more details: https://afrobitcoin.org
You cannot hold real Bitcoin in an ISA, but you can now gain price exposure tax-free via Bitcoin ETPs.
Our blog explains the options available, key providers, risks vs real Bitcoin, and the shifting regulatory position in the UK.
A must-read for anyone navigating tax-efficient Bitcoin exposure.
Learn more:
https://bitcoinpolicy.uk/blog-1/f/bitcoin-tax-free-how-to-hold-bitcoin-in-a-stocks-shares-isa
Spotlight: Cartwright - The First UK Pension Fund To Invest in Bitcoin
Bitcoin Policy UK is proud to highlight one of our long-standing strategic partners, Cartwright, a pioneering British pension specialist delivering bespoke financial services since 1986.
In a landmark move for the UK pensions sector, Cartwright advised the nation’s first pension fund to allocate 3% of its £50 million portfolio directly into Bitcoin, not through spot ETFs, but via direct ownership.
This groundbreaking allocation followed a rigorous due diligence process, including extensive reviews of ESG considerations, the investment case, and security and custody standards.
Cartwright’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates how traditional financial institutions can apply robust governance, research-led analysis, and risk management to embrace innovative asset classes. Their work sets an important precedent for how UK pension schemes can consider Bitcoin in a responsible and strategic way.
We are proud to work alongside organisations like Cartwright who are shaping the future of pensions and helping position the UK as a global leader in responsible Bitcoin adoption.
More on:
nostr:nprofile1qqsd7gqv4s60d743gfv8x4z09krv6zmn6x02sswcfsrt0ymshw3pfqcppemhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mp0qy08wumn8ghj7mn0wd68yttsw43zuam9d3kx7unyv4ezumn9wshsvk8xj7 partners with Vodafone to power the future of global payments
In a world where digital currencies are redefining finance, Musqet - a UK-based Bitcoin-native payments company - has joined forces with Vodafone to make in-store and online payments faster, safer, and truly borderless.
Through Vodafone’s IoT technology, Musqet’s integrated payment terminals can connect securely anywhere in the world, supporting debit, credit, contactless, Bitcoin, and stablecoin payments, all in one simple device.
This partnership isn’t just about technology; it’s about financial inclusion and empowerment. Businesses can now serve customers seamlessly, with greater control over funds and access to global markets.
Read more about how Musqet and Vodafone are shaping the future of money: https://musqet.tech/
Have you subscribed to our Substack?
Our latest piece is all about:
Bitfest 2025: A Three-Day Celebration of Bitcoin and Creativity in Manchester.
Follow the link below to read in full.
https://bitcoinpolicyuk.substack.com/p/bitfest-2025-a-three-day-celebration
Our CEO nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqpzpmhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejsmdanmm visited Chatham House to speak to the Texas Bankers Association about the UK, Bitcoin and the future of payments.
We discussed how Texas is using Bitcoin mining to stabilise renewable grids and how the UK continues to fall behind with broken tax treatment and unclear regulation.
The panel also touched on Visa’s plans for programmable money and ‘trusted and controlled’ payments, offering an interesting contrast in how different visions for the future of money are being built.
We need to keep the UK focused on innovation, competitiveness and economic resilience.
Looking forward to having more conversations like this.
We’re excited to share that our CEO and co-founder nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqpzpmhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejsmdanmm Violet Ward will be speaking at nostr:nprofile1qqspj38xer7c32wvjjp3phj6acygdayu83dkn7ttmdu5q8w5r4mc2wspzemhxue69uhkummnw3ezuumvda6xs7fwwa5kuqgkwaehxw309aex2mrp0yh8qunfd4skctnwv46qt9gjjr.
Susie will join panels discussing:
- Bitcoin education in the UK
- Bitcoin in the media
- Bank surveillance and the Online Safety Bill
- Mobilising UK Bitcoin communities
It’s going to be an incredible few days of ideas, collaboration and conversation about Bitcoin’s role in the UK’s future.
Location:
Pendulum Hotel, Manchester
Date:
21–23 November 2025
www.bitfest.uk
nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqzyrhwden5te0dehhxarj9emkjmn96fw3za was at Chatham House this afternoon for a roundtable with Texas banking CEOs, Visa, and UK industry leaders where they discussed bitcoin, stablecoins, and the future of payments.
Taking Control: Bitcoin Self-Custody and the Future of Financial Sovereignty
In a world where financial systems can freeze, fail, or censor, Bitcoin offers something revolutionary: true ownership.
Self-custody means holding your own Bitcoin keys and managing your money independently, without relying on third parties. It’s a step toward personal financial sovereignty with great power and equal responsibility.
Our latest article explores:
What Bitcoin self-custody really means
The benefits and risks of managing your own assets
How to get started safely
The new generation of secure tools like the Trezor Safe 7, built for transparency and quantum resilience.
Read the full article:
https://bitcoinpolicy.uk/blog-1/f/bitcoin-self-custody-taking-control-of-your-financial-future
Bitcoin Policy UK Partners with Antidote to Strengthen the UK’s Bitcoin Ecosystem
We’re delighted to announce a new strategic partnership between Bitcoin Policy UK - the UK’s Bitcoin advocacy organisation - and Antidote, London’s first startup hub dedicated entirely to Bitcoin founders.
This collaboration bridges policy and innovation, helping connect the builders shaping Bitcoin’s future with the policymakers designing its framework.
Under the new MOU:
1. Bitcoin Policy UK will provide Antidote and its members with expert policy and regulatory guidance.
2. Antidote will host Bitcoin Policy UK at its central London workspace, creating opportunities for collaboration and education.
3. Together, we’ll co-host events and initiatives to strengthen the UK’s role as a global hub for Bitcoin innovation.
As our CEO nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpzfmhxue69uhk7enxvd5xz6tw9ec82csprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuumwdae8gtnnda3kjctvj5df3m said:
“This partnership connects the builders shaping the industry with the policymakers designing its framework - an important step toward a stronger UK economy.”
Read the full announcement:
Bitcoin for the UK: Our Briefing for the House of Lords
If you've ever wondered why Bitcoin keeps making headlines - or why it’s more than just “internet money” - our new briefing paper for the House of Lords explains why.
Bitcoin is a strategic opportunity for the UK: a secure, decentralised monetary network that supports innovation, energy resilience, and even humanitarian efforts worldwide. But right now, UK policy is holding that potential back.
The current “one-size-fits-all” approach treats Bitcoin like every other speculative crypto token - discouraging responsible innovation while pushing people toward offshore, unregulated markets.
We’ve outlined 4 practical policy fixes to change that:
-Create a separate regulatory category for Bitcoin
-Simplify taxation on small transactions
-Allow access to regulated Bitcoin ETFs
-Stop debanking legitimate businesses
With proportionate regulation, the UK can unlock innovation, protect consumers, and strengthen its position as a global financial leader.
Learn more here:
https://bitcoinpolicy.uk/blog-1/f/bitcoin-for-the-uk-our-briefing-paper-for-the-house-of-lords
A Balanced Approach to AML and Innovation
BPUK fully supports the UK’s commitment to robust anti–money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) standards. However, as we note in our response, regulation must remain proportionate, risk-based, and clearly scoped to avoid stifling legitimate businesses and innovation.
We emphasise four key principles:
Proportionate and evidence-based: Target AML efforts where real risks exist.
Clear scope: Exclude open-source developers, miners, and non-custodial wallet providers who cannot perform AML functions.
Respect for privacy and safety: Avoid linking personal data with Bitcoin addresses, which could expose individuals to risk.
Support for UK competitiveness: Ensure that regulatory clarity encourages investment, rather than driving it offshore.
Key Recommendations
Clarify the definition of “cryptoasset business.”
The scope should cover only exchanges and custodial wallet providers, explicitly excluding non-custodial wallet developers and network participants such as node operators and miners.
Limit counterparty due diligence to hosted services.
Requirements for customer due diligence should apply only to interactions between regulated providers, not to self-hosted wallets, which cannot comply as a matter of design.
Protect privacy in information sharing.
Bitcoin’s transparency requires careful handling of data.
Personally identifiable information should never be unnecessarily linked to wallet addresses or shared across multiple authorities without strong safeguards.
Clarify registration and control rules.
“Fit and proper” tests and change-in-control requirements should apply only to businesses offering custodial or intermediary services, not to developers or users of open-source tools.
Set realistic thresholds.
Proposed low-value thresholds for due diligence and reporting should be adjusted to avoid burdening small, low-risk transactions and reviewed regularly to remain proportionate.
Our Position
Bitcoin represents a transformative technology with the potential to enhance financial inclusion, transparency, and economic resilience. The UK has a historic opportunity to lead, but only if regulation is clear, fair, and supportive of innovation.
We call on HM Treasury, the FCA, and other stakeholders to work closely with industry experts to develop a balanced, evidence-based framework that protects consumers without undermining growth.
We also urge policymakers to follow the examples set by the EU’s MiCA and AML frameworks, which explicitly protect non-custodial innovation.
We believe this approach will strengthen the UK’s reputation as a forward-thinking, tech-positive jurisdiction.
Bitcoin Policy UK stands ready to assist regulators and lawmakers with technical insight, industry engagement, and constructive dialogue to ensure the UK achieves this balance.
See our full response here:
The Bitcoin Policy UK Podcast is live.
Our new podcast is a space for open, informed conversations on Bitcoin, policy, education, and innovation - and how each of these can shape the UK’s economic future.
Episode 1 is out today. Our co-founders nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduq3samnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwwdhx7un59eek7cmfv9kq9xeuxy (CEO) and nostr:nprofile1qqs80cjjxm2psuux933tsd0w5ljjtf49j9rxnxmyajweh3cgg5ca76gpr3mhxue69uhkummnw3ez6ur4vgh8xetdd9ek7mpwv3jhvtcpz4mhxue69uhkummnw3ezummcw3ezuer9wchsw6euvf (Chief Policy Officer) join co-hosts Harley Echlin and Kaitlyn Prince to discuss:
What Bitcoin is - and what it isn’t
How Bitcoin differs from crypto and stablecoins
Why clear and fair regulation matters for the UK
The mission of Bitcoin Policy UK and its role in national innovation
This is just the beginning.
Join the conversation and listen to the full episode here:
Episode 1 of our podcast is released tomorrow. Here’s what’s coming up:
Co-founder nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpzfmhxue69uhk7enxvd5xz6tw9ec82cspz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqu0er2d discusses bringing TradFi rules that aren't working to Bitcoin as they can put Bitcoin holders at risk:
Co-founder nostr:nprofile1qqs80cjjxm2psuux933tsd0w5ljjtf49j9rxnxmyajweh3cgg5ca76gprpmhxue69uhhyetvv9ujucm4wfex2mn59en8j6f0qyxhwumn8ghj7cnjvghxjme06ggzys explains how Bitcoin can be used both for cross-border micropayments and as store of value:
“Bitcoin can’t be stopped.”
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A new episode of The Bitcoin Policy UK podcast will be released on Friday but you can watch a short clip now:
The Bitcoin Policy UK Podcast launches this Friday.
Watch the trailer with co-founder and CEO nostr:nprofile1qqsthy887pf36j465w0ls5y32a6rf7m06whlnnacmgn4rx0zg845alcpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqzynhwden5te0danxvcmgv95kutnsw43qtyqndj now:
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.