Hosted by UK Finance and sponsored by Quant and Addleshaw Goddard, the day included deep dives into key areas like digital money for payments, opportunities for tokenisation in capital markets, and the unique aspects of alternative assets like cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). 

Opening remarks on Digital Frameworks and economic growth 

Kicking off the event, Professor Sarah Green, former Law Commissioner for England and Wales, emphasised the need for robust frameworks: “For digital assets to thrive, we need frameworks that not only secure these assets but also inspire confidence among users and investors.” This set the stage for a central theme of the day – the importance of structured, secure, and transparent systems in building trust and promoting innovation in digital finance. 

The macro perspective: Bridging skills and seizing opportunities 

The first panel brought together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the real-world impacts of digital assets on productivity and employment in the UK. Katey Neate, COO Digital Assets at BNYM, and Lord Holmes highlighted the digital skills gap as a key area needing attention: “Digital assets hold vast potential for enhancing productivity across the UK, but to fully realise this, we must bridge the digital skills gap and cultivate talent across sectors.” As the UK works to establish itself as a global fintech hub, this focus on skills and accessibility underscores the need to prepare the workforce for a digital economy. 

Digital money for payments: Exploring new use cases 

The discussion then turned to digital money, covering the possibilities for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stablecoins, and tokenised deposits. Speakers noted the importance of finalising the regulatory framework to support digital money’s adoption, driven by the emergence of clear, new benefits for the economy. This session highlighted how these new forms of money could drive financial inclusion, simplify cross-border payments, and provide businesses and consumers with more options for secure transactions. 

Alternative digital assets: A diversification tool for investors 

In a panel focused on alternative forms of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies and NFTs, speakers explored how these assets can act as a diversification tool, helping investors manage risk amid economic uncertainty. Robert Alice, an NFT artist, remarked, “The future of value is digital, and for investors, diversifying with digital assets offers a way to manage risk in an ever-changing landscape.” This view underscores the growing acceptance of digital assets as a legitimate part of an investment portfolio, especially as investors seek out assets that are resilient to traditional market shifts. Additionally, crypto was highlighted as a way to unlock new value streams for creators in sectors like art and music that traditionally haven’t had access to such opportunities.  

Tokenisation in Capital Markets: Strengthening London’s Financial Hub 

As the event moved toward the potential for tokenisation, panelists discussed what’s needed for London to retain its status as a global financial centre. From enabling more efficient settlements to expanding access to financial products, tokenisation holds significant promise for capital markets. Stephen Whyman of Fidelity International captured the sentiment: “To keep London competitive, it’s not just about adopting technology—it’s about integrating it in a way that benefits the entire capital market ecosystem.” For London, embracing tokenisation represents an opportunity to drive cost efficiency, enhance liquidity, and maintain its leadership position on the global stage. 

Closing thoughts and next steps 

In closing, the UK Finance Mds for Payments and Innovation and Capital Markets and Wholesale highlighted the importance of collective action, not just from financial institutions and tech firms, but from regulatory bodies and educational systems. The event wrapped up with a focus on how the UK can balance regulatory prudence with innovation, paving the way for a future in which digital assets are both safe and widely accessible. 

To engender financial literacy, financial inclusion and empowerment through the societal benefits of income generation and/or share ownership (for the populace at large) you either have to: (i) offer an asset that everyone has (unknowingly) but lies idle/dormant but with the potential for income tributaries being attached to it (e.g. music); or, (ii) provide an asset that can be made accessible to all (e.g. cryptocurrencies/ NFTs) of which culture has a profound role to play. 

With insightful discussions and a vision for the future, the event underscored that the transformation of finance is well underway. The task now is for the UK to lead, driving innovation that’s both inclusive and impactful.