This report delivered to the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors for their meeting in Buenos Aires from 21-22 July, describes the work of the FSB and standard-setting bodies on crypto-assets.

The FSB has developed a framework, in collaboration with Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI), to monitor the financial stability implications of the developments in crypto-asset markets. The report sets out the metrics that the FSB will use to monitor developments in crypto-asset markets as part of the FSB’s ongoing assessment of vulnerabilities in the financial system.

While the FSB believes that crypto-assets do not pose a material risk to global financial stability at this time it recognises the need for vigilant monitoring in light of the speed of market developments. The framework focuses on the transmission channels from crypto-asset markets. Monitoring the size and growth of crypto-asset markets is critical to understanding the potential size of wealth effects, should valuations fall. The use of leverage, and financial institution exposures to crypto-asset markets are important metrics of transmission of crypto-asset risks to the broader financial system. The framework also includes metrics on trading volumes, pricing, clearing and margining for crypto-asset derivatives. Metrics on exposures will become part of the framework to the extent that they become available.

FSB Chair Mark Carney in his letter to G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in March noted that crypto-assets raise a host of issues around consumer and investor protection, as well as their use to shield illicit activity and for money laundering and terrorist financing. At the same time, the technologies underlying them have the potential to improve the efficiency and inclusiveness of both the financial system and the economy.

Against this backdrop, the report also describes the work standard-setting bodies are undertaking in the areas of their respective mandates:

  • CPMI has conducted significant work on applications of distributed ledger technology, and is conducting outreach, monitoring, and analysis of payment innovations.

  • The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) has established an initial coin offering (ICO) Consultation Network to discuss experiences and concerns regarding ICOs, and is developing a Support Framework to assist members in considering how to address domestic and cross-border issues stemming from ICOs that could impact investor protection. IOSCO is also discussing other issues around crypto-assets, including, for example, regulatory issues around crypto-assets platforms.

  • The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) is assessing the materiality of banks’ direct and indirect exposures to crypto-assets, clarifying the prudential treatment of such exposures, and monitoring developments related to crypto-assets for banks and supervisors.

The Financial Action Task Force will report separately to the G20 on its work concerning the money laundering and terrorist financing risks relating to crypto-assets.