Charles Laing: To what extent can bitcoin be regulated?

Identity checks v ‘cryptocurrency tumblers’

clock • 2 min read

Bitcoin's exploding price means legislators around the world can no longer ignore cryptocurrencies or their underlying assets - but to what degree can these actually be regulated. Dr Charles Laing takes a closer look

The explosion in the valuations put on bitcoin this year has meant HM Treasury can no longer ignore the cryptocurrency or the underlying blockchain technology. A value that has increased well over 1,000% from the start of the year is causing governments around the world to sit up and take notice of this and other cryptocurrencies currently with a total market cap surpassing $200bn (at least at the time of writing). Increasing prices and the fear that criminals are investing in bitcoin have also made legislators look more closely into how they can intervene. Treasury eyes bitcoin crack...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Alternative Investments

Ian Aylward: It pays to be choosey when picking alternatives

Ian Aylward: It pays to be choosey when picking alternatives

'If it can't be explained to your clients, it should likely be left out of your portfolio'

Ian Aylward
clock 14 August 2026 • 3 min read
Semi-liquid funds boosting private markets for IFAs and wealth managers

Semi-liquid funds boosting private markets for IFAs and wealth managers

40% use semi-liquid funds to gain access

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 15 July 2026 • 1 min read
FCA's Pritchard urges tighter private markets oversight to improve investor confidence

FCA's Pritchard urges tighter private markets oversight to improve investor confidence

Regulators and investment managers must get 'basics' right

Linus Uhlig
clock 12 May 2026 • 2 min read