The currency used in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling, often simply referred to as the pound. Its symbol is £, and its ISO code is GBP. The pound sterling is one of the oldest currencies still in use today, with origins tracing back to Anglo-Saxon England. The Bank of England is the central authority responsible for issuing banknotes and maintaining monetary stability. The currency is subdivided into 100 pence. The pound has a significant global presence and is one of the world’s major currencies, often used as a benchmark in international financial markets.