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US Federal Reserve to Create Cryptocurrency Team Amid Concerns Over Unregulated Stablecoins

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The US Federal Reserve is taking steps to address the fast-evolving cryptocurrency industry. The central bank has announced that it is creating a specialized team of experts to monitor developments in the cryptocurrency sector, with a particular focus on stablecoins. The move comes amid concerns that unregulated stablecoins could put households, businesses, and the broader economy at risk.

Speaking at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington on March 9, Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr acknowledged the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies but also warned that the benefits of innovation can only be realized if appropriate guardrails are in place. The new crypto team will help the Federal Reserve “learn from new developments and make sure we’re up to date on innovation in this sector.”

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The Federal Reserve’s stance is not surprising, given its mandate to promote stability and public confidence in the financial system. However, the move to create a specialized crypto team marks a significant step forward in the central bank’s approach to cryptocurrencies. It highlights the growing recognition of the importance of cryptocurrencies in the financial system and the need for appropriate regulatory frameworks to manage their risks and harness their potential.

Barr emphasized that regulation needs to be a “deliberative process” to ensure that a balance is reached between over-regulation that “will stifle innovation” and under-regulation that “will allow for substantial harm to households and the financial system.” He cautioned that any widespread adoption of stablecoins that are not regulated by the Fed could put households, businesses, and the broader economy at risk.

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Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that are pegged to a stable asset, such as the US dollar. They are designed to reduce the volatility associated with traditional cryptocurrencies, making them attractive to investors and merchants. However, stablecoins are not immune to risks, and there are concerns that the assets backing many stablecoins in circulation are illiquid. This means that it can be difficult to liquidate them for cash when needed, potentially leading to a “classic bank run.”

Barr’s comments on stablecoins echo similar concerns raised by other regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC). In December 2020, the FSOC, which is chaired by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, issued a report warning that stablecoins could pose a risk to financial stability if they become widely adopted without appropriate regulatory safeguards.

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The move by the Federal Reserve to create a specialized crypto team is a positive development for the cryptocurrency industry. It demonstrates that the US central bank is taking a proactive approach to managing the risks and harnessing the potential of cryptocurrencies. The crypto team will be responsible for monitoring developments in the sector, advising the Fed on appropriate regulatory frameworks, and working with other regulators to ensure a coordinated approach.

The creation of the crypto team also highlights the growing importance of cryptocurrencies in the financial system. As more individuals and businesses adopt cryptocurrencies, it is essential that regulators keep up with the pace of innovation to ensure that appropriate regulatory frameworks are in place. This will help to promote stability and public confidence in the financial system while also enabling the benefits of innovation to be realized.



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Ethics of Web3 Discussed at Paris Blockchain Week

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Web3 technology is becoming increasingly pervasive in mainstream industries, raising important questions about the ethics needed to operate in the space. During the second day of Paris Blockchain Week 2023, a panel of professionals from the Web3 ecosystem took to the Venus de Milo stage to discuss the “Ethics of Web3.”

The panel was moderated by Moojan Ashghari, co-founder of Thousand Faces Web3 investment club. Ashghari opened the discussion by stating that the ethical framework or standard of technology will always lag behind the introduction of the technology. He emphasized that the biggest challenge of ethics is determining the right questions to ask in order to ensure that the technology does not harm us in the near or far future.

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The panelists unanimously agreed that innovation typically comes before any ethical standard is implemented. Margaux Frisque, co-founder of and legal adviser to the Women in Web3 Association, highlighted the upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework in the European Union as an example of turning ethics into law to protect people and innovation.

Frisque explained that the MiCA framework was inspired by feedback from past operations and will soon oblige businesses to segregate the funds of their clients from other bank accounts. She praised this as an example of good behavior that has been turned into hard law to protect people and innovation.

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Paris Blockchain Week also hosted an entire panel discussion on the upcoming MiCA regulations, during which industry experts and regulators discussed the implications of European lawmakers’ proposals. While the proposal has faced several delays, it is set for a final vote in April 2023.

Loic Brotons, CEO of Galeon, echoed the sentiment that behavior influences ethics. He pointed out that “mixing innovation and ethics is a bit complicated” and that innovation typically comes first. He used the FTX scandal as an example, where the lack of verification led to problems. He stated that exchanges are now providing proof-of-reserves so that people can follow the money and verify their trust.

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In conclusion, the Ethics of Web3 panel at Paris Blockchain Week highlighted the importance of implementing ethical frameworks in the Web3 ecosystem to protect people and innovation. The MiCA framework in the European Union was cited as an example of turning ethics into law to achieve this goal. As the Web3 ecosystem continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial to consider the ethical implications of new technologies to ensure their responsible and sustainable use.



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UAE’s Central Bank Nears Launch of Digital Dirham

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The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) is taking significant steps towards the full launch of its central bank digital currency (CBDC) known as the digital dirham. As announced on March 23, the CBUAE has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based G42 Cloud and digital finance services provider R3 to be the infrastructure and technology providers for the CBDC implementation. This is a crucial milestone in the development of the digital dirham and is expected to address the challenges of domestic and cross-border payments, while also promoting financial inclusion and supporting the country’s goal of becoming a cashless society.

The first phase of the CBDC strategy involves the soft launch of “mBridge,” a platform that facilitates CBDC transactions for international trade. The CBUAE is also working on proof-of-concept projects for bilateral CBDC bridges with India, as well as domestic CBDC issuance for both wholesale and retail use. These initiatives are expected to be completed within the next 12 to 15 months, according to the CBUAE’s announcement.

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The digital dirham has been in development since 2019, with the CBUAE conducting extensive research and analysis to ensure the successful implementation of the CBDC. The CBUAE has also engaged with various stakeholders, including financial institutions, merchants, and other entities, to gather insights on the requirements and potential benefits of a CBDC.

The digital dirham is expected to bring numerous benefits to the UAE’s economy and financial system. One key advantage is the increased efficiency and speed of domestic and cross-border payments, which will enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. The digital dirham is also expected to boost financial inclusion by providing greater access to financial services for underserved populations, such as low-income individuals and small businesses.

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Moreover, the digital dirham is expected to reduce the cost and complexity of financial transactions, thereby promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE. The digital dirham’s transparency and security features will also help combat financial crime and money laundering, which are key priorities for the UAE’s government and financial regulators.

The CBUAE’s partnership with G42 Cloud and R3 is a significant step forward in the development of the digital dirham. G42 Cloud is a leading provider of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) services in the UAE, while R3 is a global blockchain software firm. The collaboration between the three entities is expected to leverage their respective expertise and technologies to ensure the successful implementation of the digital dirham.

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In conclusion, the UAE’s central bank is making significant progress towards the launch of its digital dirham CBDC. The implementation of the digital dirham is expected to bring numerous benefits to the UAE’s economy and financial system, including increased efficiency, financial inclusion, and innovation. The CBUAE’s partnership with G42 Cloud and R3 is expected to be a key driver of the digital dirham’s success, and the future looks promising for the UAE’s digital currency.



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Banking crisis could push cryptocurrency regulation into gray area

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The world has been facing a banking crisis that has caused a great deal of uncertainty and market anxiety. According to Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire, this could lead to increased regulatory ambiguity in the cryptocurrency market. Allaire expressed his concerns in a Twitter thread on March 23, discussing the aftermath of the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and the general exposure of the financial system in the United States.

Allaire’s concerns are not unfounded, as the US banking system has faced several challenges in recent years, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. The collapse of SVB, a bank that primarily serves the technology sector, has only added to the worries about the stability of the financial system in the country.

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As a result of the ongoing banking crisis, investors and businesses are becoming increasingly interested in cryptocurrencies as an alternative to traditional banking. However, the lack of clear regulation in the cryptocurrency market can lead to further uncertainty and risk.

Allaire believes that the current market dynamics could push the cryptocurrency market into a gray area in terms of regulation, as governments and financial regulators struggle to keep up with the rapid growth of cryptocurrencies. This could potentially lead to greater regulatory ambiguity and more risk for investors and businesses.

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Circle is a cryptocurrency company that issues the USD Coin (USDC), a stablecoin that is pegged to the US dollar. The company has been actively advocating for more regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency market to help promote growth and adoption.

In conclusion, the ongoing global banking crisis could have a significant impact on the regulation of cryptocurrencies. The lack of clear regulatory guidelines could create more uncertainty and risk for investors and businesses, making it essential for governments and financial regulators to act quickly to provide clarity and stability to the market.



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