Former UK Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has voiced support for Bitcoin as part of a broader shift toward alternative financial systems, reflecting on the economic turmoil that followed his short tenure in September 2022. Kwarteng, who served as chancellor for only a few weeks, described the controversial mini budget as “very, very rushed,” noting it was introduced just two weeks after taking office on September 6 and shortly before the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The rapid rollout of the policy triggered sharp increases in UK government bond yields and exposed vulnerabilities in Liability Driven Investment (LDI) pension strategies. Despite criticism, Kwarteng defended the original policy goals and warned that the United Kingdom remains trapped in a fiscal “doom loop,” where government spending continues to exceed tax revenue, while rising taxes reduce economic incentives.
He also criticized what he described as short-term decision-making in politics and financial markets, arguing that long-term planning is essential for sustainable economic growth.
Bitcoin Treasury Strategy and Stack BTC Involvement
Kwarteng has since moved into the digital asset sector and now serves as executive chairman of Stack BTC, a UK based bitcoin treasury firm. The company currently holds 31 BTC on its balance sheet, reflecting its strategy of integrating Bitcoin into corporate treasury management.
The venture has drawn political interest, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage acquiring a 6% stake in the company. Kwarteng also highlighted what he sees as the UK’s slow adoption of digital asset innovation compared to European cities such as Paris, which he described as increasingly supportive of digital finance developments.
He pushed back against earlier criticism from former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who had described Bitcoin as a “Ponzi,” instead advocating for a more open-minded approach toward emerging monetary technologies and alternative financial systems.
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