"A regulatory sandbox is a 'safe space' in which businesses can test innovative products, services, business models and delivery mechanisms without immediately incurring all the normal regulatory consequences of engaging in the activity in question"
The definition given by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on their website. (Link)
Through the utilisation of a regulatory sandbox consumers can benefit from more effective competition as it reduces the time as well as the cost of implementing innovative ideas to the market, allows for extensive access to finance for innovators, allows for product testing and introduction to the market and finally the appropriate consumer protection is put in place.
In cohort 4 of the regulatory sandbox of UK, 29 business have been accepted (listed below) for their innovations in products, services and business models.
A number of propositions are relating to cryptocurrencies. FCA is keen on consumer benefits that can be derived from distributed ledger technology while testing in a safe environment and at the same time managing and mitigating any associated risks.
Testing parameters are agreed by the FCA together with each firm. They include
a. Individual guidance
If the firm is unclear of how the rules may apply to them then the FCA can help explain and interpret in the context of the specific firm
b. Modifications or waivers of rules
Burdensome rules can be modified or waived for test purposes
c. No enforcement action letters
If individual guidance and waivers could not be implemented and the actions of the firm are justified for the particular test then no enforcement action letters can be issued if the firm deals with the FCA openly, while following the agreed testing parameters and treats customers fairly. If unexpected issues arise then no disciplinary action will be taken
d. Informal steers
Finally, the FCA can provide information on potential regulatory implications of a product or business model which is in the early stages of development
Although this article has taken a light approach on what is happening within UK's regulatory environment with regards to distributed ledger technology, it is vital that we bring to our attention the efforts of the FCA and the firms aiming to provide quality products and services to consumers.
Pure ICO will be monitoring closely the progress of the following firms as we believe some of them are on the verge of technological and financial innovation in the UK.
The companies that are included in the Sandbox Are:
- Blockex https://www.blockex.com
- Capexmove https://www.capexmove.io
- Chasing Returns https://www.chasingreturns.com
- Community First Credit Union http://www.communityfirstcu.co.uk
- Creativity Software https://www.creativitysoftware.net
- CreditSCRIPT https://www.creditscript.com
- Dahly
- Etherisc https://etherisc.com
- Fineqia https://www.fineqia.com
- Fractal https://www.askfractal.com
- Globacap https://globacap.com
- Hub85 https://hub85.com
- London Media Exchange http://londonmediaexchange.com
- Mettle
- Mortgage Kart https://www.mortgagekart.com
- Multiply https://www.multiply.ai
- Natwest
- NorthRow https://www.northrow.com
- Pluto https://pluto.insure
- Salary Finance https://www.salaryfinance.com
- TokenMarket https://tokenmarket.net
- Tokencard https://tokencard.io
- Universal Tokens https://urtoken.net
- Veridu Labs https://www.veridu.com
- World Reserve Trust https://www.worldreservetrust.com
- Zippen
- 1825 https://www.1825.com/1/home.page
- 20|30 https://2030.io
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