BIS warns emerging economies of financial stability risk from crypto

Quick Take

  • The Bank for International Settlements is warning emerging economies about the financial stability risks associated with embracing crypto.

The Bank of International Settlements warned in a Tuesday report that crypto market vulnerabilities could pose financial stability risks in emerging economies.

"There are serious concerns about the ability of emerging market economies to monitor cryptoasset markets and to assess the financial stability risks from cryptoassets," the report said.

The report touched on liquidity, credit, operational, bank disintermediation and capital flow risks.

"One way in which price volatility propagates into market risk is through direct holdings of cryptoassets by institutions or households. As the price of the cryptoasset fluctuates, holders risk incurring losses," the report added.

Emerging risk vectors

Risk vectors could emerge through specific regulatory conditions within emerging economies, the document added.

The BIS encouraged local regulators to consider selective bans, containment and regulation of specific crypto-assets. It advised the establishment of clear regulatory mandates that differentiate between "activity-based and entity-based regulation."

The report said many emerging market participants see cryptoassets as "a safe haven against volatile domestic currencies," a dynamic developing in Argentina, where on August 13 bitcoin-friendly presidential candidate Javier Milei won a presidential primary vote.


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About Author

Brian McGleenon is a UK-based markets reporter for The Block. He has worked as a financial journalist and producer for multiple news outlets over the years, such as Fuji Television, The Independent, Yahoo Finance, The Evening Standard, and The Daily Express. Brian is also a screenwriter and producer with one feature film produced and one in development with Northern Ireland Screen. Apart from web3 and cryptocurrency developments, he is also interested in geopolitics, environmental issues, artificial intelligence, and longevity research. Get in touch via email [email protected].

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