Transatlantic Task Force Aims to Shape Global Crypto Standards

The United States and the United Kingdom have announced the establishment of the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, a joint initiative aimed at aligning regulatory frameworks for digital assets and capital markets. Unveiled during U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK in late September 2025, the task force will focus on reducing cross-border regulatory friction for firms operating in both markets. Co-chaired by UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the group will include representatives from regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), alongside industry stakeholders like Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple . The initiative marks a strategic step to harmonize approaches to stablecoins, asset custody, anti-money laundering (AML) standards, and tokenized securities, with the goal of fostering innovation while maintaining financial stability .

The task force’s primary objectives include short- to medium-term collaboration on digital asset regulations and long-term innovation in wholesale markets. A key focus will be aligning stablecoin frameworks, as both governments recognize the importance of cross-border interoperability for firms seeking to raise capital. For instance, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has accelerated crypto firm approvals, yet applications have declined amid stricter rules, while the U.S. is exploring a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and expanding stablecoin oversight . The task force will also examine how to streamline compliance for cross-border operations, such as by creating shared sandboxes for testing blockchain-based solutions .

The initiative is expected to deliver recommendations within 180 days, with the first set of proposals targeting areas like stablecoin reserves, tokenized asset disclosures, and cross-border supervision. Industry leaders have welcomed the move, with Circle’s Dante Disparte calling it a “pivotal step forward” for regulatory harmonization and Coinbase’s Daniel Seifert emphasizing its potential to unlock liquidity and financial inclusion . The task force’s work will be informed by input from industry experts and regulators, ensuring recommendations reflect practical needs for businesses and investors .

For the UK, the collaboration aligns with efforts to retain its competitive edge in global finance amid concerns over firms shifting listings to U.S. markets. The UK Treasury has stressed the importance of “responsible” crypto adoption, while the FCA continues to tighten oversight, including mandatory customer data collection for crypto platforms from January 2026 . In the U.S., the Trump administration’s pro-innovation stance—evidenced by the recent passage of the GENIUS Act—has positioned Washington as a hub for clear, industry-friendly regulations .

The task force’s success hinges on balancing divergent regulatory philosophies. The UK is finalizing a comprehensive crypto framework to bring digital activities under financial services regulation, while the U.S. emphasizes technology-neutral policies to accelerate innovation. Challenges include reconciling differences in stablecoin governance, securities definitions, and enforcement approaches . However, both governments have emphasized that stability, trust, and innovation will guide the group’s work, with the potential to set de facto international norms for digital assets .

The initiative reflects broader geopolitical and economic priorities. For the UK, aligning with the U.S. could enhance London’s appeal as a crypto hub, counterbalancing the EU’s stricter rules. For the U.S., it reinforces Trump’s vision of a globally competitive financial sector. The task force’s recommendations, expected in early 2026, may influence how other nations approach digital asset regulation, particularly in addressing cross-border challenges like AML compliance and market integrity .