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ECB Executive Warns of Potential Libra Threat

Thursday, 26/09/2019 | 08:09 GMT by Arnab Shome
  • A G7 task force will provide policy recommendations on such digital currencies.
ECB Executive Warns of Potential Libra Threat
Bloomberg

Facebook’s initiative to launch a digital currency hs forced regulators worldwide to speak up on crypto regulations. Recently, Benoît Cœuré, an executive of the European Central Bank (ECB), has put forth the bank's stance on the Stablecoin .

Though Cœuré admitted the advantages of Libra in the area of cross-border Payments , he pointed out some of the serious concerns with the mainstream adoption of such private currencies.

“These initiatives raise formidable challenges across a broad range of policy domains. Of particular concern are the risks related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, as well as consumer and data protection, cyber resilience, fair competition, and tax compliance,” he stated.

Can proper policies regulate Libra?

The banker also mentioned the role of a G7 working group tasked with the study of such stablecoins and their impact on the mainstream economy.

“The group is expected to provide policy recommendations by the time of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in October this year,” he added. “The Financial Stability Board has also started looking into the regulatory implications of these initiatives and will report to G20 ministers and governors.”

He also pointed out the potential conflict of regulatory laws in different jurisdictions, given the global nature of stablecoins like Libra.

“Ambiguity can make ‘stablecoin’ arrangements vulnerable to a loss of confidence - an unacceptable risk in a global payments system with potentially systemic importance. Given that many of the "stablecoins" target retail users, it is critical that the rights of coin holders and the obligations of issuers be clearly communicated and legally precise,” he added.

Earlier this week, the head of the Bank of Japan spoke out on the issues concerning Libra and urged cooperation between global regulators to regulate such digital currencies. He also wants the highest level of regulations imposed on such stablecoins.

Facebook’s initiative to launch a digital currency hs forced regulators worldwide to speak up on crypto regulations. Recently, Benoît Cœuré, an executive of the European Central Bank (ECB), has put forth the bank's stance on the Stablecoin .

Though Cœuré admitted the advantages of Libra in the area of cross-border Payments , he pointed out some of the serious concerns with the mainstream adoption of such private currencies.

“These initiatives raise formidable challenges across a broad range of policy domains. Of particular concern are the risks related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, as well as consumer and data protection, cyber resilience, fair competition, and tax compliance,” he stated.

Can proper policies regulate Libra?

The banker also mentioned the role of a G7 working group tasked with the study of such stablecoins and their impact on the mainstream economy.

“The group is expected to provide policy recommendations by the time of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in October this year,” he added. “The Financial Stability Board has also started looking into the regulatory implications of these initiatives and will report to G20 ministers and governors.”

He also pointed out the potential conflict of regulatory laws in different jurisdictions, given the global nature of stablecoins like Libra.

“Ambiguity can make ‘stablecoin’ arrangements vulnerable to a loss of confidence - an unacceptable risk in a global payments system with potentially systemic importance. Given that many of the "stablecoins" target retail users, it is critical that the rights of coin holders and the obligations of issuers be clearly communicated and legally precise,” he added.

Earlier this week, the head of the Bank of Japan spoke out on the issues concerning Libra and urged cooperation between global regulators to regulate such digital currencies. He also wants the highest level of regulations imposed on such stablecoins.

About the Author: Arnab Shome
Arnab Shome
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Arnab Shome is an electronics engineer-turned-financial editor. He holds a Bachelor of Technology from the National Institute of Technology, Agartala. He entered the retail trading industry about a decade ago, covering the cryptocurrency market for Finance Magnates, and later expanded his coverage to include forex and CFDs as well. His work at Finance Magnates includes C-level interviews, data-driven analysis, opinion pieces, and scoops of industry exclusives. He also contributes to Finance Magnates’ quarterly industry report. Area of coverage: 1. CFD broker-related news 2. Industry-related Regulatory updates and developments 3. New retail trading trends 4. Prop trading industry updates 5. Executive interviews Education: Bachelor of Technology - National Institute of Technology, Agartala (India)

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