Michelle Bowman, a member of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, has emphasized the need for global regulators to address the current supervision of novel banking activities, specifically focusing on banking as a service and digital assets. During her speech at the Salzburg Global Seminar on bank regulation and supervision, Bowman highlighted the “supervisory void” that financial institutions find themselves in regarding emerging technologies.
The Federal Reserve Governor wants clarity in regulations
Despite some efforts to provide guidance, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the permissibility and supervisory expectations surrounding these activities. This lack of clarity places banks in a precarious position, as they rely on general but non-binding statements from policymakers, only to potentially face criticism in the future. Bowman, whose term at the Fed ends in 2034, stressed the need for a clear regulatory framework to address this situation.
Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Governor expressed concerns about the risks posed by the current regulatory state. Without a well-defined framework, regulators may introduce new requirements for businesses after substantial investments have already been made. In order to fulfill their role of effective supervision and regulation, regulators must engage with both novel and traditional activities, according to Bowman.
The Federal Reserve Governor’s call for a clear regulatory framework aligns with the growing chorus of voices advocating for enhanced regulation of digital assets. Moody’s, a rating agency, recently cautioned that without support from U.S. lawmakers in the form of legislation focused on digital assets, investors and companies could seek more crypto-friendly jurisdictions.
In response to these concerns, lawmakers from the House Financial Services Committee and House Agriculture Committee have released a draft discussion that proposes granting certain crypto assets the designation of digital commodities. The draft bill aims to prevent the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from denying digital asset trading platforms registration as regulated alternative trading systems. It also seeks to enable such firms to offer “digital commodities and payment stablecoins.”
The Governor highlights the importance of clarity in regulating the industry
The Federal Reserve Governor warned that the absence of a clear approach to novel technologies could have significant consequences for banks navigating higher interest rates. The need for regulatory certainty becomes even more critical as financial institutions contend with evolving technologies and changing market dynamics.
Establishing a robust and comprehensive regulatory framework for novel technologies is crucial to ensuring the stability and integrity of the banking sector. By providing clear guidelines, regulators can mitigate risks, protect consumers, and foster innovation within the industry. A balanced approach is necessary to address both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.
As discussions and debates surrounding digital assets and banking as a service continue to evolve, regulators need to collaborate and develop consistent international standards. This will help prevent regulatory arbitrage and promote a level playing field for financial institutions across jurisdictions.
The Federal Reserve Governor’s call for a clear regulatory framework reflects the pressing need to address the supervision of novel banking activities and digital assets. The absence of comprehensive guidelines creates uncertainty and hampers the ability of financial institutions to navigate emerging technologies effectively. By establishing a regulatory framework that balances innovation and risk management, regulators can support the growth of the banking industry while safeguarding the interests of consumers and the broader financial system.
