A powerful coalition of six major UK trade bodies has urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to treat crypto and blockchain as a national strategic priority. In a letter dated March 31, the group called for the immediate appointment of a “blockchain envoy” and a dedicated government action plan to help the UK catch up in the global race for digital asset leadership.

The organizations—including Global Digital Finance, techUK, and the UK Cryptoasset Business Council—warned that without urgent government support, the country risks losing ground to innovation hubs like Dubai, Singapore, and even the United States, which recently ramped up efforts under Donald Trump’s crypto-friendly stance and the appointment of a “crypto czar.”

The letter emphasized that a trade deal with the U.S. could help accelerate the UK’s fintech leadership if mirrored with similar ambition and structure. The coalition proposed creating a government-backed concierge service to attract high-growth crypto startups and recommended integrating blockchain with emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing to modernize public services.

They also pushed for a top-level forum connecting regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers to ensure informed, cross-sector decisions.

With digital assets forecasted to inject £57 billion ($73.6 billion) into the UK economy over the next decade, the stakes are high. Crypto could add up to £1.39 trillion ($1.8 trillion) to global GDP by 2030, the letter argued.

Tom Griffiths of BitCompli echoed the urgency, warning that while UK regulators have talent and vision, the nation is losing momentum. “The FCA must act now, or the UK will miss out on this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” he said.