In a significant move for the future of finance, Barclays has announced a strategic investment in the financial technology firm Ubyx. The partnership, revealed on 17 January 2026, is focused on advancing connectivity for new forms of digital money, including tokenised deposits and regulated stablecoins.
Building the Infrastructure for Digital Money
Barclays is investing in Ubyx because of its role in providing a global clearing system. This technology is designed to create a common network where different forms of regulated digital money can be exchanged seamlessly. The core mission is to ensure these digital assets can be redeemed at their full face value through proper banking channels.
Ryan Hayward, Head of Digital Assets and Strategic Investments at Barclays, emphasised the importance of this step. He stated that interoperability is essential to unlock the full potential of digital assets and that specialist technology like Ubyx's will be pivotal in enabling regulated financial institutions to interact without friction.
A Shared Vision for a Tokenised Future
Tony McLaughlin, CEO of Ubyx, outlined the company's goal to build a universal acceptance network for regulated digital money. He highlighted that bank participation is vital for this ecosystem to function, predicting a world where every regulated firm will offer digital wallets alongside traditional bank accounts.
This investment comes at a pivotal time. There is growing interest in digital money based on tokens transacted on public blockchains, and regulatory frameworks are becoming clearer in several countries. Both Barclays and Ubyx have committed to developing tokenised money responsibly within existing regulations.
The Wider Context of UK Digital Finance
This announcement follows closely on the heels of another landmark in British digital finance. Lloyds Bank has recently completed the first UK transaction using Tokenised Deposits on a public blockchain, which also marked a global debut for sterling deposits handled in this way.
These developments signal a concerted push by major UK financial institutions to shape and accelerate innovation. The focus is on building the necessary infrastructure to support a future where digital and traditional money systems can coexist and connect efficiently, ensuring the continued singleness of money in a new technological era.
