U.S. and U.K. Launch Joint Taskforce on Digital Assets and Markets

The United States and the United Kingdom have announced the creation of a Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, a new initiative with a strong focus on digital assets and capital markets. The plan was unveiled on Sept. 22 following a joint roundtable in London attended by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.

Good to know

• The taskforce will deliver recommendations within 180 days.
• It operates under the U.K.-U.S. Financial Regulatory Working Group (FRWG).
• Industry leaders and regulators will jointly shape proposals on digital markets.

What the Taskforce Will Do

The taskforce is designed to study how digital finance is evolving and provide strategies that encourage innovation while managing risks. It will report back to both finance ministries through the FRWG, offering recommendations on how to enhance collaboration across capital markets, digital assets, and emerging financial activities.

A joint statement noted that the group will weigh short- and medium-term collaboration options for digital assets while legal and regulatory frameworks continue to develop. It will also consider long-term opportunities to innovate within wholesale digital markets.

One of the cornerstones of the initiative is engagement with private-sector leaders. By working alongside industry voices, the taskforce aims to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring proposals reflect both practical realities and regulatory priorities. Oversight will come from financial authorities in both nations, giving the process added legitimacy.