# The digital pound — UK central bank digital currency

The digital pound would be sterling in digital form, issued by the Bank of England. It is not bitcoin — it would be central bank money with stability guarantees unlike unbacked crypto.

## Key facts
- The Bank of England and HM Treasury consulted on a UK CBDC.
- A digital pound would complement cash, not replace it.
- No decision to launch has been made.
- CBDCs differ fundamentally from decentralised cryptoassets.

## CBDC vs crypto

Cryptoassets like bitcoin are typically decentralised and not backed by a central authority. A digital pound would be a liability of the Bank of England, pegged one-to-one with sterling.
## Current status

The Bank of England continues research and public consultation on design choices including privacy, programmability and the role of the private sector in distribution.
## Implications for holders

A future digital pound would be separate from tokens you hold today. Tax and custody rules for existing crypto would remain under HMRC and FCA frameworks.

## FAQs
### Can I buy the digital pound now?

No. It is not yet available. Beware scams claiming early access.

## Sources

- [Bank of England — The digital pound](https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/the-digital-pound)
- [Bank of England — Central bank digital currency](https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/research/digital-currencies)

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— Digital Assets UK (https://digital-assets.co.uk/assets/digital-pound/), reviewed 2026-06-23. Source: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/the-digital-pound