FCA Prioritises Stablecoin Payments in 2026 Growth Plan

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK’s financial regulator, said in a statement earlier today, December 10, that it has set up ambitious new growth measures for 2026. This includes UK-issued stablecoins, which will provide faster and more convenient payments for UK citizens.

In its announcement, the regulator noted that it will open its regulatory sandbox for safe testing, which would allow local companies to experiment with the issuance of stablecoins. Additionally, it will support innovative policy development.

The FCA also sent a letter to the Prime Minister, saying that after almost 50 growth commitments laid out in early 2025, the vast majority have been met. Because of this, the regulator has delivered additional initiatives to support further growth.

As the UK financial watchdog explained, the package of growth reforms enables companies to scale, bolsters capital markets, supports home ownership, and provides consumers with additional investment options and opportunities.

FCA’s Focus In 2026

The FCA also commented on its plans for next year, saying that it will deliver a new wave of growth initiatives focused on more efficient supervision, the digitalization of financial services, increased SME lending, and ways to boost trade and international competitiveness.

One of the main points will be the deepening of the market integration between the UK and the US, through the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future. Apart from that, the regulator’s plans also include preparing to enable early-stage companies to conduct regulated business before full authorization, for when legislation is passed.

Commenting on the matter, FCA’s chief executive, Nikhil Rathi, said that supporting growth will help consumers by improving their financial resilience and offering greater choice. Along the way, the UK will be able to maintain its global competitive edge in wholesale markets, attract international investment, and become the leader in financial service innovation.

“We will continue to embrace a bolder risk appetite to support growth, while maintaining our commitment to protect consumers and ensure market integrity,” Rathi concluded.

The FCA further listed flagship growth reforms that have been delivered throughout the year, including unlocking capital investment and liquidity, accelerating digital innovation, reducing regulatory burden, making it easier for firms to start up and grow, and improving exports and inward investment.

Lastly, as part of the FCA’s work to rebalance its approach to risk, the regulator has noted that its mortgage market reforms have been taken up by 85% of the market thus far, with lenders now able to offer home buyers around £30,000 more than previously, on average.