In an act of unprecedented vigilance, the United States banking system has been alerted to the “novel and complex” risks presented by cryptocurrencies, as highlighted in a recent report by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). For the first time, the FDIC has demarcated a critical area regarding digital assets risk in its annual risk review, thereby directing increased scrutiny towards the dynamic and fast-evolving crypto market.
In response to the rapidly proliferating interest in cryptocurrencies, the FDIC has deemed that thorough information is necessary to fully grasp the risking and bewitching potentials that cryptocurrencies bestow, especially amidst notable market volatility observed through this year. Crypto-assets not only present a unique set of risks but also remain entangled within a web of legal uncertainties, leading to possibilities of fraud and contagion, chiefly due to the intertwined operations of crypto businesses.
Further garnishing the landscape of risks is the dynamic nature of cryptocurrencies, with swift and incessant developments that add to the intricacies of determining risk in this space. A special concern under the FDIC’s radar is stablecoins and their susceptibility to run-risk, which can further expose such holding banks to deposit outflows.
A spotlight on this issue was the March banking crisis, wherein a shocking dissipation of renowned banks like Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Bank, and Signature Bank was witnessed, all notable participants providing banking services to the US crypto industry. This incident sent waves of panic across the community when the USD Coin disassociated from the dollar once its issuer, Circle, unveiled its inability to retract its whopping $3.3 billion worth of reserves from the bank, inevitably triggering a panic sell-off.
Swift to respond, the FDIC, along with other US regulators, undertook immediate measures to backstop the vulnerable banks, subsequently selling off their assets to other financial institutions.
While the volatile dance of crypto markets continues, it becomes imperative for industry participants and especially regulators to comprehend and keep up with the fluctuating legal, market, and financial status of these digital assets. The FDIC’s move to spotlight and probe into these risks can mark the initiation of informative, secure, and resilient financial practices not only resisting prevalent risks but also opening new doors to advancements.
Source: Cointelegraph
