Bank of England official says nation needs centralized ‘digital pound’ after FTX collapse

Cunliffe reflected on the recent developments in the cryptosphere, breaking down the FTX implosion, and how it illustrated the need for more regulation of the digital currency ecosystem.

"I thought it might be worthwhile to start with a brief look at the FTX implosion," Cunliffe began, "to frame some of the points I intend to make on regulation of the use of crypto-related technologies to provide financial services and on why, as a central bank, we are actively exploring the issuance of a digitally native pound sterling."

He pointed out that over the past year, the crypto ecosystem has shown itself to be incredibly unstable, due to the fact that "its foundation is completely unbacked instruments of extreme volatility that can swing wildly in value," and because it exists in "largely unregulated space" despite being prone to the same risks that regulations in the regular financial sector were set up to mitigate.

Cunliffe went on to highlight three main reasons why more regulation is necessary, two of which were centered around protecting those using crypto and financial stability at large. The third, however, focused on how the technologies pioneered and used by the cryptosphere could "foster innovation" if brought under the regulatory umbrella.

The Deputy Governor then turned his attention to the potential rollout of a digital pound, explaining that while he originally saw no connection between the FTX debacle and the BoE's plan, further reflection revealed that the two were related.

"Our work on a digitally native pound is driven by the trends we now see both specifically in payments," he said, "including the reducing role of cash, and more generally in the increasing digitalization of daily life."

He suggested that a digital pound "may be needed" to fulfill the same function as physical cash and that its introduction would be a boon to those working to innovate finance and payment services.

"Our aim," he concluded, "is to ensure that innovation can take place but within a framework in which risks are properly managed and which safeguards the sustainability of such innovation. The events of last week provide a compelling demonstration of why that matters."

The Bank of England said it expects to begin consultation on the creation of a digital pound and regulatory framework for all cryptocurrencies early next year.