Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the United Kingdom's Royal Mint has asked Her Majesty's Treasure to create the nation's first official NFT for issuance sometime this summer. 

More Crypto

• How do I buy Bitcoin? Here's how it works
• The best crypto credit cards
• Top crypto exchanges: The ones you need to know
• Must-have cryptocurrency hardware wallets: Keep your cryptocurrency safe

The move was announced via the HM Treasury Twitter account and was confirmed by John Glen, the economic secretary for the Treasury. 

Speaking at the Innovate Finance conference in London, Glen further explained the move, saying: "There is a genuine opportunity to build on our strengths in FinTech and seize the capitalist energy which has already made UK financial services what it is, and use it to unleash the potential of crypto technologies."

Also: Europe votes to crack down on anonymous crypto transfers

The Treasury itself noted that the NFT issuance shows "...the forward-looking approach we are determined to take towards cryptoassets in the UK." 

NFTs remain a somewhat controversial topic. While some believe they are the future of digital object ownership, others see them as a hotbed of scammers attempting to make hay before the latest digital bubble bursts. 

For its part, the Royal Mint seems to be treating them as something like a digital extension of its regular practice of releasing commemorative coin sets, and as part of a larger UK government push into crypto-based assets and technologies. 

Also: The future of money: Where blockchain and cryptocurrency will take us next

Like several other nations around the world, the UK seemingly intends to make its shores a hospitable place for crypto companies. Speaking at the same event, Glen added that crypto technologies could help the UK "attract investment, generate waves of new jobs and create a wave of groundbreaking new products and services."

While it has yet to dive into NFTs like the UK Royal Mint, the US federal government also recently took its first steps into officially addressing the country's future in the crypto space, including the possible exploration of a digital US Dollar. 

Recommends

The 100+ best October Prime Day deals you can buy: Live updatesThe 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they're worth the money)

• The 100+ best October Prime Day deals you can buy: Live updates
• The 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)
• The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)
• The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they're worth the money)