Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Alun Cairns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 May 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 May 2023. It was answered by Andrew Griffith (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 May 2023 on behalf of the Treasury.

Cryptocurrencies: Electronic Funds Transfer

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department has made an assessment of the implication for its polices of the potential practice by banks of imposing transfer limits on customers sending funds to crypto exchanges.

Answer

The Government remains committed to supporting safe innovation within the cryptoasset sector, and HM Treasury recognises concerns about the impact of decisions taken by banks with respect to consumer payments to crypto businesses.

However, these are commercial, risk-based decisions driven by a range of factors, including compliance with financial crime obligations. As such, it would not be appropriate for the Government to intervene at this stage.

The Government is encouraging the crypto industry, in the first instance, to engage directly with UK banks, UK Finance and other relevant trade associations.

In parallel, HM Treasury is working towards a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cryptoasset sector which may influence decisions taken by UK banks with regards to controls or restrictions on payments.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
184080
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Electronic funds transfer Cryptocurrencies
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk