Unlike in 2020 – when regulation was often viewed as a threat to decentralisation – the blockchain sector is now experiencing a fundamental shift. Global regulations are no longer stifling innovation; instead, they are accelerating blockchain adoption across finance, enterprise, and government.
This evolution was the focus of a recent London Blockchain Conference webinar, which explored how regulatory frameworks are shaping the digital asset ecosystem and enabling blockchain innovation at scale.
Regulation as a Catalyst for the Digital Economy
During this virtual blockchain event, industry leaders examined the rapidly evolving global regulatory landscape and its growing importance within the digital economy.
Key areas of discussion included the regulatory forces shaping blockchain markets today; he role of frameworks such as FATF and MiCA; taxation and compliance considerations; the expanding use of stablecoins; and how regulation increases trust, access, and competitive advantage.
Rather than acting as barriers, these global regulations are providing clarity – a critical factor for institutional participation and long-term growth.
Expert Insights from the London Blockchain Webinar Series
The session was opened by Alex Stein, Conference Director of the London Blockchain Conference, and marked the fourth instalment of the London Blockchain webinar series.
Moderated by Kate Baucherel and Helen Disney, the discussion featured leading voices from law and policy:
- Laura Navaratnam, dispute resolution lawyer and U.K. Policy Lead at the Crypto Council for Innovation, shared insights into regulatory developments from a U.S. perspective.
- James Burnie, Partner at Gunnercooke LLP, discussed stablecoin adoption in the U.S. and EU, alongside the legal and operational challenges facing issuers.
- Olga Antonova, Senior Associate at Gunnercooke LLP, unpacked the scope of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and its implications for decentralised finance (DeFi).
The State of Stablecoins Today
During the one-hour webinar, Helen Disney framed stablecoins as a rapidly maturing asset class – increasingly embedded within bank-grade regulatory frameworks and rising on political agendas worldwide.
Major jurisdictions, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States, are actively developing policies to regulate and adopt stablecoins responsibly.
Laura Navaratnam explained that while the U.S. has intensified its focus on stablecoin legislation following the GENIUS Act, political delays have slowed progress. Meanwhile, the U.K. has taken tangible steps through the MiCA framework, with oversight shared between the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England for so-called “systemic stablecoins.”
“The US and UK have taken very similar positions here in terms of what is permitted in to be held in those kind of core backing [stablecoin] assets.” – Laura Navaratnam
Under the Hood of MiCA Regulation
One of the European Union’s most significant regulatory milestones has been the implementation of MiCA.
Olga Antonova explained that under MiCA, Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) must obtain authorisation in one EU member state. Once licensed, firms can operate across all 27 EU countries without separate approvals.
This passporting mechanism significantly reduces barriers to market entry and supports scalable blockchain innovation across Europe.
However, Olga also noted that MiCA will continue to evolve, with further technical standards, guidance, and regulatory communications expected to refine its implementation.
Regulatory Misalignment and Stablecoin Challenges
According to James Burnie, stablecoins remain one of the most politically sensitive aspects of crypto regulation.
While many policymakers recognise their potential as efficient alternatives to traditional fiat systems, disagreements persist – particularly around classification. Under MiCA, stablecoins that generate interest or yield may be categorised as securities, introducing additional compliance burdens.
James highlighted ongoing tensions around asset classification, reserve asset location requirements, and Electronic Money Institution (EMI) licensing frameworks. These challenges underscore the need for global regulatory alignment to fully unlock stablecoin innovation.
Why Regulation Matters for Blockchain’s Future
As this webinar demonstrated, regulation is no longer an afterthought – it is a foundational pillar of sustainable blockchain innovation.
By creating trust, protecting consumers, and enabling institutional participation, global regulatory frameworks are shaping a more resilient digital asset ecosystem.
Stay tuned for more insights at upcoming London blockchain conferences, where industry leaders continue to explore real-world use cases and the future impact of blockchain technology.
