Global: FCA opens applications for stablecoin sprint

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority is inviting fintechs, banks and other stakeholders to apply for a “stablecoin sprint” to help shape policy and set standards for the future of payments.

The two-day event in London in March will explore how stablecoins can be used for retail payments, cross-border payments, ecommerce and business to business transactions.

Fintechs, banks, payment service providers, tech companies, stablecoin issuers, law firms, and consumer and merchant groups are al invited to apply by 4 February.

In May, the watchdog will also hold a roundtable focused on trade payments in stablecoins.

With stablecoins gathering momentum around the globe, the FCA has consulted on issuing qualifying stablecoins as it gears up to publish its final crypto rules this year.

The regulator also recently launched a stablecoin-specific cohort of its regulatory sandbox to support issuers in testing UK-issued coins.