Canada’s Monetary Authority Unveils Advisory on Crypto Asset Risk

Key Points:

• Canada Financial Services Authority publishes draft guidelines for crypto asset risk management.
• Guidelines tailored to banking and insurance industries, reflecting international standards.
• Four classifications of crypto assets are outlined with corresponding capital treatments.

Canada Financial Services Authority (OSFI) took a major step in addressing the challenges posed by crypto assets by publishing two draft guidelines for the regulatory capital handling of crypto asset risk.

The move comes in response to the growing prominence of cryptocurrencies and aims to provide clarity and stability to the financial sector.

The first draft guideline is designed for federally regulated depository institutions, while the second one caters specifically to insurance companies. By tailoring the guidelines to the unique characteristics of each sector, OSFI seeks to ensure that the regulations are effectively implemented across the financial industry.

Both draft guidelines align with the December 2022 BCBS (Basel Committee on Banking Supervision) Banking Standards, reflecting international best practices and standards in handling crypto asset risk for banking institutions. The Insurance Guidelines, on the other hand, integrate relevant sections of the BCBS Standards and adapt them to suit the distinctive requirements of the insurance industry.

The guidelines elaborate on the four distinct classifications of crypto assets and outline the corresponding capital treatment for each category. This clarity is expected to aid financial institutions in assessing and managing the risks associated with these digital assets more effectively.

OSFI has opened both draft guidelines for public comment, allowing stakeholders and industry experts to provide valuable feedback until September 20, 2023. This collaborative process seeks to refine and strengthen the guidelines, making them more effective in addressing the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving crypto-asset landscape.

These guidelines will replace the interim recommendations issued in August 2022. The new regulations are scheduled to take effect in early 2025, allowing ample time for institutions to adapt and comply with the revised standards.

DISCLAIMER: The Information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.