The Trump Effect: The US is Going All In
Let’s be real—when Trump backs something, people pay attention. His recent crypto-friendly stance has injected new energy into the US market. American firms are snapping up talent, venture capital is flowing, and even regulatory sentiment seems to be shifting. Coinbase, for example, is doubling down on hiring despite ongoing battles with the SEC. And then there’s Miami, which has been positioning itself as a crypto hub for years.
So what does this mean for talent? Simple. More opportunities, better salaries, and an industry that’s being legitimised in the eyes of mainstream professionals. If you’re a blockchain dev, a compliance expert, or a Web3 marketer, the US is looking increasingly attractive.
Meanwhile, in the UK…
The UK has talent—there’s no doubt about that. Some of the best blockchain engineers and fintech minds in the world are based in London. But are they staying? That’s a different question.
I’ve seen first-hand how tricky it is to keep top-tier talent in the UK. Candidates tell me they’re frustrated by slow-moving regulations, a lack of clarity from the FCA, and an overall sense that the UK government isn’t as enthusiastic about crypto as, say, the US or even the UAE. Just last year, a brilliant Solidity developer I was working with packed up and moved to Dubai. Why? Better tax incentives, a clearer regulatory framework, and—crucially—more ambitious projects to work on.
Regulation: The Double-Edged Sword
I get it. The UK is trying to balance innovation with investor protection. But there’s a fine line between being cautious and being left behind. Right now, the feeling among many in the industry is that the UK is erring on the side of caution—perhaps too much.
Look at what happened with the FCA’s marketing rules for crypto. They were introduced with good intentions, but the result? Companies scrambling to comply and, in some cases, simply moving elsewhere. Compare that with the US, where regulatory battles are fierce but at least the market knows where it stands. The EU, too, has MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation), giving businesses a framework to work with. The UK? Still playing catch-up.
What Needs to Change?
From where I’m sitting, the UK has three options:
- Get serious about crypto-friendly regulation: Stop dragging out consultations and start providing clarity. Give businesses a reason to stay and build here.
- Make it easier to attract global talent: The visa process for skilled crypto professionals needs to be smoother. The UK’s talent pool is strong, but it could be even stronger with the right incentives.
- Embrace the movement: Whether you love or loathe Trump, his endorsement is a signal that crypto isn’t going anywhere. The UK should take note and start positioning itself as a leader rather than a bystander.
Trump’s crypto endorsement is yet another sign that the industry is maturing, and the US is capitalising on it. Meanwhile, the UK risks losing some of its best talent to more welcoming jurisdictions. As someone who’s been in crypto recruitment for years, I see it happening in real time.
The UK still has a chance to turn things around, but time is running out. The question is—will it step up or sit back and watch the talent drain continue?
