- Coinbase supports a UK petition urging regulation of stablecoins and wider use of blockchain.
- The petition has passed 5,000 signatures; 10,000 triggers an official government response and 100,000 prompts a parliamentary debate.
- Supporters warn the UK risks falling behind without a clear crypto strategy.
A public petition calling on the United Kingdom to adopt a pro-innovation approach to blockchain and stablecoins has gained momentum after cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase encouraged its users to back the initiative.
The petition, live on the UK government website since July, asks for a comprehensive framework covering stablecoin regulation, blockchain adoption across government services, and the appointment of a dedicated blockchain “tsar.”
Initially it attracted limited attention, but interest surged this week after Coinbase sent an in-app message urging users to sign.
Screenshots shared on social media showed a notification from the exchange asking customers to “help the UK lead on stablecoin innovation now.”
At the time of writing, the petition has surpassed 5,000 signatures.
Reaching 10,000 signatures will require the government to publish an official response.
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
The petition remains open until 3 March 2026.
Calling for regulatory clarity and innovation
The proposal sets out three specific demands: establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins and tokenisation, promote blockchain use across government functions, and appoint a senior official responsible for crypto policy.
Supporters argue that stablecoins form the foundation of a tokenised economy and that regulatory clarity is essential for the UK to remain competitive.
The petition highlights that the United States has leaned away from central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) toward stablecoins, suggesting the UK risks falling behind without a clear strategy.
“This is a matter of national importance to preserve the competitiveness of the City and the global standing of sterling,” the petition states.
Backers warn that without timely action, the UK could cede advantages to other jurisdictions pursuing more aggressive digital asset strategies.
Coinbase’s role in shaping UK crypto policy
Coinbase has been outspoken in its campaign for clearer digital asset regulation in the UK.
In recent months, the exchange has stepped up efforts to influence public debate and policymaking.
On 31 July, Coinbase released a satirical video titled “Everything is Fine.”
The video contrasts upbeat lyrics celebrating Britain’s financial system with visuals of inflation, poverty, and economic strain, delivering a sharp critique of the status quo.
Just days later, on 5 August, former UK Chancellor and Coinbase adviser George Osborne published an opinion piece in the Financial Times.
In that article, Osborne warned that the UK was falling behind in the global digital asset race and singled out stablecoins as an area where the country had ceded ground.
Coinbase’s support for the petition reflects its broader strategy to push for regulatory certainty and to foster a more favourable operating environment for digital assets in the UK.
With the petition now more than halfway to the threshold that triggers a government response, the initiative underscores growing pressure on policymakers to set clearer direction on stablecoins and blockchain innovation.