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According to news sources, the UK is set to start testing digital gilts within two years, putting blockchain at the centre of a debt issuance revolution. This will be one of the biggest modernisations of financial markets and trading efficiency in the UK’s massive debt market, ahead of a £297 billion ($382 billion) borrowing round.
A Big Move in Debt Issuance
Based on available reports from Bloomberg, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce the digital gilt pilot in her upcoming Mansion House speech. This is the new Labour government’s plan to modernise Britain’s financial markets by “tokenizing” its debt.
A blockchain-based system used by cryptocurrencies brings transparency, speed and lower costs to Britain’s debt market. These digital gilts will smoothen the debt issuance process and make trading more efficient – especially with the country’s massive borrowing requirements over the next few years.
The previous Conservative government first mooted the idea of digitising government debt. In 2022, Treasury Minister John Glen said the Treasury was looking into the feasibility of digital debt. Now, the idea has been formalised as the Treasury is preparing for a blockchain trial. Working with the UK Debt Management Office DMO, the Treasury will explore how blockchain can be bolted onto the gilt issuance process.
Blockchain Gilts: An Incremental Approach
The Treasury and DMO are taking a phased approach, trialling digital gilts on a small scale before going live on a larger scale. The cautious approach is in line with guidance from the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), which has told governments to consider blockchain in stages.
Rollouts of digital debt instruments allow the government to test the impact on the markets and iron out any technical or regulatory issues, and see the wider implications.
Other countries have considered blockchain for debt issuance and Slovenia was the first in the eurozone to issue sovereign digital debt in March this year. International institutions like the European Investment Bank and World Bank have also tested blockchain-based bonds so it’s not a new idea.
Benefits and Challenges of Blockchain Gilts
Blockchain gilts are winning over UK policymakers, including Tulip Siddiq, the city minister of the UK. Blockchain will make the bond issuance process more efficient by removing middlemen such as registrars and will add so much more transparency to the market. The UK will be joining a select group of countries positioning themselves as leaders in digital assets and cementing its place as a fintech pioneer with a blockchain-based infrastructure.
However, the DMO has since said it’s not sure if it can make the switch due to various technical and regulatory hurdles that will arise. The smooth running of the gilt market is the DMO’s top priority as cost efficiency with strong market performance has to be maintained.
Blockchain’s role in the gilt issuance process is a big deal in the UK’s financial world, changing the way we think about digital finance. Of course there are challenges but this trial shows the UK is serious about innovation in its financial systems.
Conclusion
Digital gilts bring the UK one step closer to blockchain. This won’t just modernise debt issuance but puts the UK at the forefront of digital finance globally. Gradual roll out of digital gilts will give the UK a chance to set the precedent for other governments that want to get blockchain into their markets.
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