This report on crypto-assets considers work underway, regulatory approaches and potential gaps. The report was delivered to G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors ahead of their meetings in Fukuoka on 8-9 June.
The report gives an update on work by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures, International Organization of Securities Commissions, Financial Action Task Force, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the FSB. These international organisations are working on a number of fronts, directly addressing issues arising from crypto-assets. They are mainly focused on investor protection, market integrity, anti-money laundering, bank exposures and financial stability monitoring. They are monitoring and analysing developments in these markets; setting supervisory expectations for firms; and clarifying how international standards apply to crypto-assets.
The report notes that gaps may arise in cases where such assets are outside the perimeter of market regulators and payment system oversight. To some extent, this may reflect the nature of crypto-assets, which may have been designed to function outside established regulatory frameworks. Gaps may also arise from the absence of international standards or recommendations.
Assessing the significance of potential gaps is challenging, given the rapidly evolving nature of the crypto-asset ecosystem and related risks. A forward-looking approach to monitoring crypto-assets can help provide a basis for identifying potential gaps and areas that should be prioritised or focused on.
The report concludes with the recommendation that the G20 keep the topic of regulatory approaches and potential gaps, including the question of whether more coordination is needed, under review.