As the digital asset ecosystem matures, the debate has shifted from whether regulation is needed to how it should be implemented. For government, this raises questions about consumer protection, market integrity, financial stability and digital inclusion. For innovators, it means adapting business models to align with emerging rules. According to Alex Stein, conference director of the London Blockchain Conference, the event is positioned as a platform where these perspectives meet.
The urgency of digital asset regulation
Alex Stein, conference director of the London Blockchain Conference
Why is the regulation of digital assets urgent now?
Alex Stein: The past five years have seen rapid growth in tokenised assets, decentralised finance (DeFi) and central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilots. Yet this expansion has also brought risks: exchange collapses, volatile token prices and large-scale security breaches. Regulators globally are under pressure to ensure citizens are protected, markets are stable, and digital infrastructure can be trusted.
What are UK regulators prioritising?
AS: Jane Moore, head of department – Payments and Digital Assets at the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), will offer practical insights into how the UK is shaping oversight of digital assets. She will discuss the FCA’s evolving regulatory approach, how guidelines are being developed, and the challenges of balancing innovation with financial integrity. Her contribution will be particularly relevant for policymakers and public service leaders seeking to understand what regulatory frameworks mean for both government responsibilities and private-sector adoption.
How can industry and policymakers work together?
AS: The conference brings together regulators, government officials, technologists, and enterprise leaders to explore shared challenges. Sessions will address:
- The evolving UK and EU regulatory frameworks for crypto assets
- CBDC development and its implications for stablecoins and payment systems
- Compliance frameworks for DeFi and their practical application
- How digital identity solutions can support privacy, security and public trust
A platform for policy and practice
Unlike events that focus on market speculation, the London Blockchain Conference emphasises regulatory frameworks, responsible innovation and practical implementation. Discussions will directly connect to government priorities, including digital inclusion, protecting citizens, and supporting the UK’s broader digital economy strategy.
Senior voices, including the FCA’s Jane Moore and leaders from industry and finance, will provide a multi-sided view of how digital assets can be integrated responsibly into financial and public service infrastructure.
Why Attend?
For policymakers, the conference provides an opportunity to hear directly from innovators and understand the regulatory implications of emerging technologies. For the industry, it presents an opportunity to engage with regulators and align with frameworks in development. By facilitating open dialogue, the event aims to strengthen trust, shape policy, and support innovation that delivers both public and commercial value.
The London Blockchain Conference will take place 22 - 23 October at Evolution London, Battersea Park, Queenstown Rd, Chelsea Brg, London SW11 4NJ.
Register for the London Blockchain Conference to join these discussions.