The advent of person-to-person payment services has provided convenience to users globally, with transaction volumes on these platforms experiencing a “substantial increase,” according to the US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). However, recent events have shed light on the potential risks associated with these services, particularly in the context of recent collapses involving FTX and major banks. The CFPB emphasizes the importance of federal deposit insurance coverage, as funds stored in these platforms may not necessarily be protected from losses.
In a recent report, the CFPB stated that stored funds within nonbank payment platforms could be in jeopardy in cases where the operating entity experiences financial distress or outright failure. Often, these funds are not placed in accounts at banks or credit unions and hence, do not receive individual deposit insurance coverage. This becomes increasingly important, as several payment apps have started offering crypto services.
While companies like Venmo and Paypal provide crypto services, the CFPB warns that some of these funds might not be covered by deposit insurance. In the event of a bank failure, the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is responsible for safeguarding depositors for up to $250,000 per individual. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case for some nonbank payment platforms, as seen with the recent collapse of three crypto-friendly banks – Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Bank, and Signature Bank.
These banks failed in March, leading to deposit runs and stock price plummets. FDIC Chair Martin Gruenberg pointed to poor management as the primary cause behind Signature Bank’s failure during a congressional hearing earlier this month. Furthermore, he slammed the bank for its excessive reliance on uninsured crypto deposits without implementing proper risk control measures.
These events highlight the necessity for users of person-to-person payment services to be aware of the potential risks involved. Federal deposit insurance coverage could be the key to mitigating such risks, ensuring that their funds are secure. While fintech apps and crypto services have brought newfound accessibility and ease to financial transactions, it is crucial for consumers to understand the limitations and perils associated with these platforms. As such, the recent attention directed toward financial institutions and the protection of consumers’ funds should serve as a reminder for users to exercise caution and diligence when managing their assets through online payment services.
Source: Cryptonews
