In response to an increasing number of private and public initiatives to implement global stablecoins, on April 14, 2020, the G20’s Financial Stability Board (FSB) issued a Consultative Document, “Addressing the regulatory, supervisory and oversight challenges raised by ‘global stablecoin’ arrangements.” A “stablecoin” aims to maintain a consistent value relative to a specific asset, pool or basket, whereas a global stablecoin is one that has the potential to reach across multiple jurisdictions and achieve substantial volume.

The FSB recognizes that while stablecoins have the potential to enhance efficiency in the delivery of financial services, it is not without risk of creating financial instability. The report also highlights key international financial regulatory standards from the Basel Committee, the Financial Action Task Force, the Committee of Payments and Market Infrastructures and the International Organization of Securities Commissions that could apply to “global stablecoins.” The document (i) describes global stablecoins, or GSCs, and how they may differ from other digitized assets and other stablecoins; (ii) analyses the potential associated risks raised by the use of GSCs; (iii) considers existing regulatory, supervisory and oversight approaches to GSCs; (iv) identifies issues that regulators, supervisors, and oversight authorities should consider in this area; (v) considers the specific challenges arising in a cross-border context, such as the need for cross-border cooperation and coordination; and (vi) makes high-level recommendations for regulatory, supervisory and oversight responses, including multilateral actions.

Focused on providing a forum for dialogue among industry participants and regulators, the document sets out 10 “high-level” recommendations for regulators to consider with respect to the requisite power and resources to comprehensively regulate, supervise, and oversee and GSC arrangement; regulatory requirements on a functional basis and proportionate to risks; cross-border cooperation and coordination among regulators; allocation of accountability; effective risk-management frameworks (including cybersecurity and AML/CFT; collection, storage, management and protection of data; recovery and resolution plans; comprehensive and transparent information sharing, including with respect to stabilization mechanism; legal clarity for users, including with respect to redemption rights; compliance with applicable regulatory, supervisory, and oversight requirements within the jurisdiction.

Comments are sought on a number of specific issues, including:

  • Distinguishing characteristics of GSCs compared with other digitized assets and stablecoins;
  • Stabilization mechanisms, including associated risks and vulnerabilities;
  • Risks to financial stability arising from GSCs;
  • Potential regulatory authorities and scope of international standards that should be applied; and
  • Balancing financial stability, market integrity, and consumer protection without constraining beneficial financial and technological innovation.

Comments should be sent by July 15, 2020, to fsb@fsb.org. View the FSB Consultative Document here.

Print:
Email this postTweet this postLike this postShare this post on LinkedIn
Photo of Barbara A. Jones Barbara A. Jones

Barbara A. Jones is Co-Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Los Angeles office and a member of the firm’s Global Corporate practice. Barbara serves as Chair of the firm’s interdisciplinary Blockchain & Digital Assets practice. Barbara maintains a diverse corporate and securities law practice

Barbara A. Jones is Co-Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Los Angeles office and a member of the firm’s Global Corporate practice. Barbara serves as Chair of the firm’s interdisciplinary Blockchain & Digital Assets practice. Barbara maintains a diverse corporate and securities law practice across industry groups, emphasizing complex international and domestic transactions, including private and public financings, dual listings, mergers and acquisitions, strategic collaborations and joint ventures, and licensing transactions. She serves as a trusted advisor to public and private company boards of directors on governance matters and complex regulatory reporting and compliance issues. Barbara’s clients include financial institutions, private equity and venture capital groups, and public and private companies in emerging technology, life sciences and biotechnology, defense and security, blockchain and digital assets, telecommunications, information technology, energy (traditional and renewable), mining, media, entertainment and sports. Barbara also represents Olympic and professional athletes and sports-related organizations.

Barbara practiced U.S. law in London from 1990 through 1997 with Sullivan & Cromwell, LLP, and headed the international capital markets practice of Kirkland & Ellis LLP from 1999 to 2003 before relocating to Boston. From 1997 to 1999, she served as Vice-President, Assistant General Counsel and Regional Counsel for capital markets with J.P. Morgan Securities Ltd. in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Since returning to the U.S., she has continued to actively represent public and private companies, private equity groups and investment banks in the European, Scandinavian, African and greater Asian markets, including China.

Barbara is a past chair of the ABA’s Subcommittee on International Securities Matters. She is a frequent speaker at conferences relating to cross-border securities matters, strategic alternatives, and digital asset structures. She serves on the Government of Bermuda’s Global FinTech Advisory Board.