- Coinbase is backing a UK petition calling for stablecoin rules and wider blockchain adoption.
- The petition has reached 5,000 signatures; 10,000 triggers a government response, 100,000 leads to parliamentary debate.
- Supporters warn the UK risks falling behind without a clear crypto strategy.
A public petition urging the United Kingdom to adopt a strategy that supports blockchain innovation and stablecoins has gained momentum after crypto exchange Coinbase encouraged its users to sign.
The petition, live on the UK government petitions website since July, calls for a comprehensive framework covering stablecoin regulation, blockchain adoption across public services, and the appointment of a senior official to coordinate blockchain policy.
Initially attracting little attention, the petition’s profile rose this week after Coinbase issued an in-app notification prompting users to back the initiative.
Screenshots shared on social media showed alerts from the exchange encouraging customers to “help the UK lead on stablecoin innovation now.”
At the time of writing the petition has exceeded 5,000 signatures.
Once it reaches 10,000 signatures the government is required to provide an official response.
If the total climbs to 100,000 signatures the proposal will be considered for parliamentary debate.
The petition remains open until 3 March 2026.
Calls for regulatory clarity and innovation
The proposal sets out three specific demands: establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins and tokenisation, promote blockchain adoption across all government functions, and appoint a senior official responsible for overseeing crypto policy.
Supporters argue that stablecoins form the foundation of a tokenised economy and that regulatory clarity is essential for the UK to stay competitive.
The petition notes that the United States has pivoted toward private-sector stablecoins rather than a central bank digital currency (CBDC), suggesting the UK could fall behind without a clear strategy.
“This is a matter of national interest to preserve the competitiveness of the City and the global standing of the pound sterling,” the petition states.
Backers warn that without timely action the UK could lose ground to other jurisdictions that are pursuing more ambitious digital asset strategies.
Coinbase’s role in shaping UK crypto policy
Coinbase has been active in pushing for clearer rules on digital assets 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 “All’s Well.”
The video contrasted upbeat, patriotic-sounding lyrics praising the UK’s financial system with visuals highlighting inflation, poverty and economic strain—a pointed critique of the status quo.
A few days later, on 5 August, former UK chancellor and current Coinbase advisor George Osborne published an article in the Financial Times.
In that piece Osborne warned the UK was falling behind in the global race for digital assets and singled out stablecoins as an area where the country had lost ground.
Coinbase’s backing of the petition reflects its broader strategy to secure regulatory clarity and foster a more supportive operating environment for digital assets in the UK.
With the petition now halfway to the threshold that requires a government response, the initiative highlights growing pressure on policymakers to provide guidance on stablecoins and blockchain innovation.