The Basel Committee studies an update to crypto standards for banks

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) could soon relax its strict rules on cryptos! A decision awaited, after the explosion of stablecoins. This revision marks a turning point for the integration of digital assets into traditional finance, between innovation and regulatory caution.

Global banks towards accelerated crypto adoption: the Basel Committee under pressure

The current rules of the Basel Committee, established in 2022, impose such high capital requirements on banks that they discourage any significant exposure to cryptos. However, the growth of stablecoins, now regulated in the United States by the GENIUS Act, has revealed the limits of this framework. These assets, backed by liquid reserves, are seen as less risky than bitcoin or ethereum. But, they remain subject to the same constraints.

A revision of crypto guidelines by the Basel Committee is underway, pushed by banks and regulators. Indeed, the latter want to avoid a competitive disadvantage compared to fintechs and crypto platforms. If the rules are relaxed, financial institutions could finally integrate crypto-assets into their services. This, subject to strict guarantees.

This evolution reflects a paradigm shift. Indeed, cryptos are no longer seen as a threat, but as an opportunity to regulate.

Stablecoins: the trigger element for more nuanced regulation

Stablecoins have transformed the financial landscape by offering fast, low-cost, and stable transactions, unlike BTC. Their massive adoption, especially for cross-border payments, has forced crypto regulators to reconsider their approach. In the United States, the GENIUS Act has already established a framework for their use, while the European Union and the United Kingdom are studying similar solutions.

The Basel Committee must now decide: should it maintain uniform regulation for all cryptos? Or distinguish stablecoins, less risky, from speculative assets like BTC. Banks advocate for a differentiated approach, arguing that stablecoins, backed by dollar or euro reserves, deserve lighter prudential treatment.

This distinction could accelerate their adoption by financial institutions, while limiting systemic risks associated with more volatile cryptos.

2026, a decisive year: what impacts for crypto investors?

If the Basel Committee relaxes its rules, banks could offer products combining stablecoins and cryptos like bitcoin. The former would be used for payments and liquidity. While the latter, would be integrated as a reserve or investment asset, via ETFs or dedicated funds. Such an evolution would democratize access to cryptocurrencies for institutional and retail clients.

Conversely, maintaining strict rules could marginalize traditional banks, favoring specialized players. Crypto investors might then turn to more welcoming jurisdictions, such as Singapore or Dubai, increasing market fragmentation.

The revision of the Basel Committee’s rules could mark a turning point for bank crypto adoption. Between innovation opportunities and regulatory challenges that weaken MiCA rules, one question remains: will this evolution be enough to meet market expectations, or will it only postpone the real issues of the crypto revolution?