A call for views has been issued by the Scottish Government on the Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill which seeks to legislate the ownership and transfer of digital assets into Scots law.

In recent decades, the use and importance of digital assets has become widespread. There is, however, little case law relating to new forms of digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, to help individuals, businesses and legal practitioners in their dealings with such assets.

The Bill confirms that digital assets can be recognised as incorporeal moveable property. If passed, the Bill would confirm how ownership can be established and acquired, providing greater legal certainty for tech developers, digital asset owners and the legal profession.

Digital assets like Bitcoin should have greater legal clarity under the new legislation that will help support Scotland’s growing financial technology sector.

As of 2025, approximately 10% of adults in Scotland – around 540,000 people – own some form of cryptocurrency.

“Scotland’s financial technology (FinTech) sector contributes £14 billion to the Scottish economy,” economy and fair work convener, Daniel Johnson MSP, said.

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“This Bill could help provide the answers needed about digital assets as objects of property and support ongoing innovation and investment in the sector.

“We are keen to hear from legal practitioners, academics and anyone with an interest in digital assets about whether they support the provisions in the Bill. We also want to hear what other actions could be required to support businesses and individuals in their dealings with digital assets.”