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Cryptocurrency set to explode in UK? Rishi Sunak's Britcoin masterplan given green light


While plans for a Britcoin currency remain in their infancy, experts have claimed any future digital currency could encourage investment in the UK. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Tim Crook, head of tax at Gherson Solicitors, and Thomas Cattee, head of white-collar crime at Gherson Solicitors claimed a UK-based cyrptocurrency could provide a new avenue for foreign investment for Britain. They said: “We suppose there could be a direct benefit in let’s say, for example, if the UK has its own cryptocurrency that can be used to invest in the UK.

“Then that may encourage people from certain countries outside the US or the UK to invest in the UK, if they, for whatever reason, want to make their investment in some form of cryptocurrency rather than traditional cash or Sterling.

“That could be sort of an indirect benefit, we suppose to encourage investments in the UK.”

The two, however, did admit any scenario may be “a long way from” financial and business transactions using cyptocurrencies in the UK.

The pair also warned against placing any transaction tax on cryptocurrency as it may dissuade investment from the UK.

They added: “We don’t really see why cryptocurrency should be singled out any more than any other investment.

“It’s quite likely that there’ll be more tax increases in the coming years, we would imagine to pay for Covid.

“The Government’s obviously just announced the increases in National Insurance, which is, you know, a start.

“In the budget in April, they announced the increases in corporation tax that are going to kick in a few years’ time.

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A CBDC would be centralised and controlled by the Bank of England while cryptocurrencies are created using blockchain.

China is leading the way in creating a CBDC and began undergoing public testing for it in April.

The Government has also launched a consultation process or creating a UK CBDC.

Speaking previously to Express.co.uk, Daniel Hodson, Chairman of the CityUnited Project warned the UK must not fall behind in creating a CBDC.

He said: “Getting an early Sterling Central Bank Digital Currency launched, initially for City transactions, could provide a massive first Western mover advantage for Britain.

“China is about to do it, it’s on its way in the EU and US, and we’ve got the know-how, the resources, the people and the leadership skills but we don’t have the will at the moment.





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