- Lisa Gordon suggests taxing crypto purchases to redirect young investors toward traditional stock markets.
- UK lawmakers and regulators are tightening crypto rules while pushing for more transparency and control.
Lisa Gordon, Chair of Cavendish Financial, has come up with a bold idea: the UK should start taxing crypto purchases. Not because the government is short of cash, but because Gordon believes it could redirect young people’s interest in the stock market.
She says there is currently an imbalance. When buying stocks, investors have to pay a 0.5% stamp duty. But when buying crypto? There is no similar fee.
🇬🇧 UK should tax crypto purchases to boost stock investing and the country’s economy, according to Cavendish chair Lisa Gordon. pic.twitter.com/onq681YJEG
— cryptothedoggy (@cryptothedoggy) March 24, 2025
She sees many young people prefer crypto because they feel free from the burden of tax. However, she says this trend actually makes the stock market, which can support economic growth, less attractive.
If taxes were applied to crypto purchases like stocks, the playing field would be more level. Imagine choosing between two stores. One is taxed, the other is tax-free—of course consumers will flock to the free one, even though the quality is not necessarily better.
The UK Says Yes to Crypto, but Banks Say No
However, the plan to tax crypto comes at a less than ideal time. On the other hand, the crypto industry in the UK is facing serious challenges. Several major banks have suddenly cut ties with crypto companies and no longer provide access to banking services. These companies are suddenly like being abandoned by trading partners in the middle of a night market.
Access to fiat payment channels has become disrupted. Many crypto companies have difficulty processing daily transactions. This condition raises deeper concerns: is the UK really ready to become a crypto hub, or is it locking the door before it has a chance to open the window? Not a few industry players hope for regulations that can guarantee equal access to banking.
Tighter Crypto Laws: Safety Net or Exit Sign?
Furthermore, Lisa Gordon’s steps are in line with the direction of government policy, which seems to be increasingly wanting to “embrace” crypto, but with strict regulations.
CNF previously reported that the new law gives law enforcement greater authority to confiscate and even destroy crypto assets suspected of being used in crimes. This step is considered necessary to reduce money laundering and illegal funding that have so far been free to play through digital assets.
The ultimate goal is to create a crypto ecosystem that is legal, efficient, and does not harm the community. However, some feel that this approach is too harsh and could cause industry players to leave for other, friendlier countries. Of course, this is a kind of gamble: strengthening public trust or even driving players out of the field.
Crypto Donations Face Scrutiny Ahead of UK Elections
Meanwhile, the political scene has not been left behind by crypto. Recently, British lawmakers proposed a new rule that would require all political candidates to disclose campaign donations in crypto. The reason is quite simple but important, to prevent the bad influence that can come from anonymous assets.
Just imagine, if a candidate suddenly received a large donation in the form of crypto from a mysterious wallet, who can be sure that it is not part of a cunning plan?
Political transparency is the main bet. With the general election due later this year, this rule could be an important tool in maintaining the integrity of democracy.
