FSB Calls for Additional Measures to Prevent Crypto Firm Blow-Ups
The global Financial Stability Board (FSB) has urged the need for additional measures to prevent complex crypto firms like FTX from destabilizing the wider financial system. Last year’s collapse of FTX highlighted the vulnerabilities posed by these “multifunction” crypto firms, which combine trading and other activities, and can exacerbate existing risks in the market.
The FSB emphasized that these vulnerabilities are similar to those found in traditional finance, including leverage, liquidity mismatches, technology, and operational weaknesses. The lack of effective controls, operational transparency, disclosures, and conflicts of interest further amplify these vulnerabilities.
Current Threats to Financial Stability Are Limited
Despite these concerns, the FSB stated that evidence suggests the threat to wider financial stability and the economy is limited at present. To address potential risks, the FSB and IOSCO have already published high-level recommendations for supervising crypto activities this year.
However, regulators should assess whether these measures are sufficient in preventing risks from spreading across the financial system. The FSB highlighted the need for enhanced cross-border cooperation, information sharing, and addressing information gaps identified in their report.
Hot Take: Further Safeguards Required for Crypto Market Stability
The recent statement from the FSB underscores the importance of implementing additional measures to protect against potential blow-ups in complex crypto firms. While current threats to financial stability may be limited, it is crucial to address the vulnerabilities posed by these multifunctional entities.
Regulators must work towards enhancing cross-border cooperation and information sharing to mitigate risks across the financial system. By doing so, they can ensure a more stable and secure environment for crypto activities while safeguarding wider economic stability.