UK Parliament opens inquiry into crypto sector

finextra.com:

The cross party group, chaired by Dr Lisa Cameron MP, which is made up of MPs and Lords including the likes of former Digital Minister Lord Vaizey, member of the Treasury Select Committee Harriett Baldwin MP, and former Secretary of State Matt Hancock MP acts as a forum for parliamentarians, policymakers and the UK crypto sector to discuss policy and regulation of the industry.The terms of the inquiry are expansive, assessing the role of Government and regulators, consumer protection issues and the use of central bank digital currencies.The APPG inquiry comes at a time of increased scrutiny of the UK crypto and digital asset sector. HM Treasury announced plans earlier this year to make the UK the global home of crypto investment, seeking to attract crypto firms to the UK and to boost the nation's technology and fintech sector.

Research from HMRC in July 2022 also showed that 10% of UK adults said they hold or have held a cryptoasset. That figure is up from 5.7% in January 2021, based on Financial Conduct Authority data.APPG chair, Cameron says: "We are at a crucial time for the sector as global policy makers are also now reviewing their approach to crypto and how it should be regulated.

It's vital that the UK does not take its foot off the gas and that Government and regulators keep to their commitments when it comes to crypto and digital assets.”CryptoUK, the UK’s independent trade association which represents over 100 members from across the crypto sector, welcomed the move.Ian Taylor, executive director of CryptoUK, says: “The UK crypto sector recognises the importance of a well regulated industry in the UK and supports regulation which provides business certainty and encourages a healthy and robust market. We want to