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The UK has switched on new crypto tax reporting rules, giving HMRC a clearer view of exchange-based activity.
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As the rules take effect, BlackRock and J.P. Morgan are gathering in London to discuss the future of regulated crypto.
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The move signals a shift toward tighter oversight as institutional interest in digital assets continues to grow.
The UK’s new crypto reporting rules kicked in on January 1. Now, some of the biggest names in finance are meeting in London to talk about what comes next.
BlackRock, J.P. Morgan, Mastercard, and Stripe will attend the third annual London Digital Assets Forum (DAF3). The event focuses on how the UK’s Cryptoasset Reporting Framework (CARF) is changing institutional interest in digital assets.
“With its history as a centre of financial innovation, and evolving regulatory environment, London is creating a fertile ground for blockchain to thrive within traditional finance,” said Victoria Gago, Co-Founder of DAF.
Speakers include Nikhil Sharma of BlackRock, Emma Lovett of J.P. Morgan, and Stani Kulechov of Aave.
What CARF Means for UK Crypto Investors
Under CARF, crypto exchanges and wallet providers must report user data directly to HMRC. This includes names, addresses, tax residency, and all transaction data covering purchases, sales, swaps, and realized gains.
Capital Gains Tax applies when crypto is sold, exchanged, or used for payments. Income tax applies to mining, staking, and receiving crypto as payment.
HMRC has always said crypto is taxable. But tracking it was difficult. CARF gives the tax authority direct visibility into exchange activity for the first time.
London Closes Gap With New York
London moved within one point of New York in the 2025 Global Financial Centres Index. Crypto adoption in the UK now sits above 24% of adults, and the country holds more than a third of Europe’s blockchain talent.
Over 70% of UK digital asset investments target enterprise and institutional use cases. Barclays recently called 2026 the “year of great regulation.”
What’s Next?
The FCA has said it plans to open a regulatory sandbox for stablecoin payments.
Meanwhile, the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future will release its first policy recommendations in March, aiming for deeper US-UK capital market ties.
