Banks supporting Crypto Currency to haver tough time ahead

Banks that support cryptocurrency may face some challenges in the years ahead, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have gained popularity and legitimacy in recent years, they are still a relatively new and untested asset class. This means that there is a lot of uncertainty and volatility associated with cryptocurrencies, which can present risks for banks.

Banks that support cryptocurrency will need to stay up-to-date on regulatory changes and ensure that they are complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Another challenge is the volatility of the cryptocurrency markets. Cryptocurrencies are known for their extreme price fluctuations, which can create risks for banks that hold these assets on their balance sheets. 

As per the report, many banks are already making significant investments in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, and see these assets as an important part of the future of finance.

Recently, we have witnessed on how US based SVB bank has invested into cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, and has established partnerships with several companies in the industry. It has also launched initiatives to help its clients explore and navigate the cryptocurrency landscape, including providing educational resources and offering banking services to cryptocurrency exchanges and other cryptocurrency-related businesses. SVB has been known to work with clients who are involved in the cryptocurrency industry, it is not a cryptocurrency exchange or a cryptocurrency-focused bank.

Secondly, Signature Bank was also a full-service commercial bank that has been a pioneer in providing banking services to the cryptocurrency industry. The bank has been actively involved in the space since 2018, when it launched a digital payments platform called Signet, which is based on blockchain technology. Signet also allows clients to hold and transfer digital assets such as Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

It's worth noting that not all banks are equally involved in the cryptocurrency industry, and some may have more limited offerings than others.

There are several other banks  including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon), Goldman Sachs and Citigroup in the US that support cryptocurrency to varying degrees. The bank has also invested in Chain, a blockchain technology company. A report says, Credit Suisse has become the lead investor in a Series B investment round for Geneva-based fintech Taurus, cementing an already strong relationship.

It's important for banks to have proper risk management protocols in place and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Finally, there is the potential for increased competition from non-bank financial institutions that are also entering the cryptocurrency space. These institutions may be able to offer more flexible and innovative services than traditional banks, and could potentially capture market share from banks that are slower to adapt to the changing landscape.

S Mohini Ratna, Editor, VARINDIA