The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a bold package of growth measures for 2026, including support for UK-issued stablecoins to deliver faster, safer and more convenient payments.

To accelerate innovation across financial services, the FCA will open its regulatory sandbox, allowing firms to safely test stablecoin issuance and develop forward-looking policies in a controlled environment. This move reinforces the UK’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of financial technology and digital payments.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, the FCA confirmed that nearly all of the 50 growth commitments announced earlier this year have already been delivered. Building on this momentum, additional initiatives have been launched to support sustainable economic growth and innovation.

Together, these reforms are designed to help firms scale faster, strengthen capital markets, support home ownership, and give consumers more choice and confidence when investing.

What’s Coming Next

In 2026, the FCA will roll out a new wave of initiatives focused on:

• More efficient and proportionate regulatory supervision
• Greater digitalisation of financial services
• Increased lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Enhanced international trade and competitiveness

Key plans also include strengthening US-UK market integration through the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, and enabling certain early-stage firms to begin regulated activities before full authorisation, subject to upcoming legislation.

“Supporting growth benefits consumers by improving financial resilience and expanding choice. Our reforms help the UK remain globally competitive, attract international investment, and lead innovation in financial services.”

— Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive, FCA

Growth Reforms Already Delivered

• Unlocking capital and liquidity: The launch of PISCES, a new private stock market, simplifies trading in private shares, while a reformed prospectus regime makes it easier for companies to raise capital.
• Accelerating digital innovation: The world’s first Supercharged Sandbox, developed with Nvidia, allows firms to safely test AI solutions. A new Scale-up Unit with the PRA supports high-growth firms navigating regulation.
• Reducing regulatory burden: Data requests have been streamlined, saving time for over 36,000 firms, while proposed changes to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime aim to boost UK competitiveness.
• Helping firms start and grow: Enhanced pre-application support has attracted 158 wholesale, payments and crypto firms since April. Authorisation performance remains strong, with 99.5% of cases processed on time.
• Boosting exports and inward investment: The FCA has expanded its presence in the US and Asia-Pacific and is working with government to help international firms establish and grow in the UK.

As part of its balanced approach to risk, FCA mortgage market reforms have already been adopted by 85% of lenders, enabling home buyers to borrow an average of £30,000 more. New proposals will also encourage greater retail investment by helping consumers make more informed financial decisions.

The UK’s global standing continues to strengthen. In the latest Global Financial Centres Index, London retained its position as the world’s second-ranked financial hub, narrowing the gap with New York, while Edinburgh and Glasgow also achieved strong rankings.