Central Banking

UK government to 'explore potential of virtual currencies'

George Osborne says they can ‘transform lives' and create ‘huge opportunities'

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George Osborne

The UK government will launch a "major programme" to explore the potential of virtual currencies and digital money such as Bitcoin, George Osborne, the chancellor of the exchequer, announced today.

The programme will look into whether regulation of the sector is required, Osborne said at a conference on financial innovation in London, "so that virtual currency businesses can continue to set up in the UK", and people and businesses can use them safely.

The chancellor added: "Alternative payment

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