The German Federal Government has stated that cryptocurrencies do not pose a threat to financial stability, reports Cointelegraph.
The government stated on 12 June that the volume of cryptocurrencies, when juxtaposed to the overall size of the German financial system, is comparatively low and, therefore, simply needs careful monitoring and regulatory measures put in place in order to control the space. This assessment is a view generally shared by the G20, of which Germany is a significant member state.
The statement was made in reaction to a parliamentary inquiry from the Euroskeptic right-wing Alternative for Germany Party who cited alleged problems including money laundering, illegal revenue, use of such currencies in online gambling and terrorist financing. It backs the government’s national risk analysis scheduled for next year. The government stated:
“In order to address the risks of Bitcoin and other “cryptocurrencies”, there are already important regulations in Germany: for example, German-based crypto traders must follow the same anti-money laundering regulations as other financial service providers – especially when it comes to identifying customers.”
Once again, the German government has expressed the necessity for careful international controls on cryptocurrency, noting that the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) will oversee any new legislation:
“… there is a need for coordinated action at European and international level. The Federal Government is, therefore, pressing for a harmonized handling of crypto-tokens at this both levels.”
The federal government’s current view reflects the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) position on cryptocurrencies, which is that it also considers that cryptocurrency is no threat to global financial stability, providing that it is carefully monitored to protect users.
In March this year, IMF chief Christine Lagarde expressed positive outcomes for the crypto space, stating: “Just as a few technologies that emerged from the dot-com era have transformed our lives, the crypto assets that survive could have a significant impact on how we save, invest and pay our bills.”
Lagarde calls for an even-handed approach which will both exploit the benefits of the new technology and minimize the risks in using and trading cryptocurrency, clearly a view shared by German legislators.
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