18 May 2026 | 5 – 7pm
Followed by drinks at Churchill War Rooms
The UK has declared its ambition to become a global hub for digital assets. Policymakers have emphasised responsible, principles-led regulation designed to protect consumers and safeguard financial stability. But in a rapidly evolving
global landscape, the defining question may no longer be regulation alone, but ambition.
As jurisdictions such as the United States, the UAE, Singapore and the European Union accelerate their digital asset frameworks, the UK faces a strategic choice. Should it move faster to compete globally, or focus on building
the most trusted regulatory environment for long-term institutional adoption?
This Oxford-style debate, held at the House of Lords, will explore whether the UK is engaged in a global jurisdictional
race for digital financial leadership, or whether its long-term strength lies in refusing to race at all.
The audience will vote before and after the debate.
The UK must move faster to remain globally competitive
The UK is competing directly with jurisdictions such as the United States, the UAE and Singapore for leadership in digital finance. In this environment, regulatory speed, clarity and international competitiveness are not secondary
considerations. They are strategic levers.
Without faster authorisation processes, clearer frameworks and a more enabling stance on areas such as stablecoins,
tokenised assets and blockchain infrastructure, the UK risks becoming a high-quality but ultimately peripheral market
in digital finance. Leadership requires visible ambition, regulatory confidence and the willingness to move at pace.
The UK’s strength lies in trust, stability and institutional credibility
Long-term leadership in digital finance cannot be built on velocity alone. In a sector prone to cycles, failures and systemic
risk, the UK’s comparative advantage lies in its deep capital markets, institutional credibility, legal certainty and
regulatory coherence.
Measured, principles-led regulation may not be the fastest route. But it may be the one that attracts the most durable, institutional-grade activity over time. Leadership requires stability, trust and resilience.
Chris Hemsley,
Director, Fingleton & Former Managing Director of the PSR
Chris’ expertise is founded on over 20 years’ experience working for financial services, utilities and transport regulators. He provides thought leadership across open banking, the growth of digital wallets and the emergence of stablecoin and crypto technologies in payments.
Professor Sarah Green, Independent Arbitrator
Professor Sarah Green is an Independent Arbitrator and Mediator (specialising in Crypto and Blockchain Disputes) at Newmans Row and a Judge of the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court of the Eastern Caribbean, Professor of Private Law at the University of Bristol a member of T3i Partner Network and a consultant to D2 Legal Technology.
Lory Kehoe,
European Fintech & Digital Assets Executive
Lory is EU Director at Aave Labs & CEO of Push Ireland, an EU CASP-regulated entity focused on connecting traditional finance with blockchain-based infrastructure. He works with regulators, policymakers, and financial institutions on digital asset policy, market structure, and adoption.
Charles McManus,
Co-Founder & Board Director Clearbank
Charles McManus is a co-founder and non-executive Director at ClearBank, and serves as Co-Chair of Innovate Finance’s Unicorn Council, where he plays an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the UK fintech sector to support its continued global leadership.
Alun Cairns is a business consultant advising a range of international companies. A former UK Cabinet member and Member of Parliament for 14 years, he served three Prime Ministers as Secretary of State for Wales, government whip, and minister. He was also a member of the UK Board of Trade.
As a backbencher, Alun held leadership roles in several All-Party Parliamentary Groups, including Blockchain, Energy Security, Crypto and Digital Assets, and Qatar.
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