While the cryptocurrency industry is expanding and becoming more well-known, conventional institutions are still hesitant to accept digital assets. They believe that the dangers associated with these assets outweigh any potential advantages. Regulating organizations like the OCC (Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) are working to alter this perspective, though. They think that financial institutions might enter a new era of creativity and efficiency thanks to digital currency. Additionally, if you want to know more about investments and firms, you may visit https://immediate-momentum.io/.
To increase banks’ confidence in these assets, the OCC recently released letters outlining how conventional banks can interact with digital currencies. According to the OCC, national banks and federal savings associations can now process payments more swiftly by cutting out middlemen and using public blockchains and stablecoins. Thus, Fedwire, ACH, and SWIFT are positioned alongside blockchain payment networks. Although some banks are wary of using digital currencies because of alleged risks and thorough due diligence, banks and their clients may be able to gain from them with the correct strategy.
Why Are Banks Unsure About Cryptocurrencies?
AML/KYC Concerns
Because there is no middleman in direct user-to-user transactions enabled by cryptocurrencies, money transfers are quicker and cost-free. Instead of individual bank accounts, transactions are associated with a unique ID on the blockchain, which worries some banks. They are concerned about the lack of laws governing digital currency transactions, such as know your customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML).
Because of the assumption that cryptocurrency transactions cannot be tracked for AML and KYC compliance, banks are concerned that this pseudonymous nature may encourage criminal activity and scams. Since their launch, the value of cryptocurrencies has fluctuated significantly, particularly that of Bitcoin. This can be explained by variables including market size, liquidity, and player count.
Decentralized Nature
Cryptocurrency assets have developed as an alternative to traditional banking since they do not rely on centralized authority like banks or governments or require the use of middlemen. These transactions rely on blockchain technology and its extensive network rather than middlemen. The introduction of a central bank-regulated cryptocurrency lessens its initial attractiveness, making some institutions question their ability to succeed in this area. Some have questioned the importance of central banks and their ability to control the money supply because of the decentralized structure of the currency, which is seen as a challenge to their power.
Volatility
Since their launch, the value of cryptocurrencies has fluctuated significantly, particularly that of Bitcoin. This can be explained by variables including market size, liquidity, and player count. Because the price has historically been unstable, banks see this as dangerous. They are concerned that these currencies may lose their stability as long-term investment possibilities as a result.
Ways for Banks to Enter the Cryptocurrency Industry
Expert Assistance and Easy Onboarding
By developing solutions that make using cryptocurrency simpler, banks have the opportunity to assist beginners. For instance, newcomers to cryptocurrency may find it difficult to maintain their wallets. They could store cryptocurrency with a reputable bank rather than relying on unreliable third parties. Even accounts that yield interest from cryptocurrency investments could be offered by banks. Banks might do this by providing a safe gateway to crypto for non-experts, simplifying the procedure and protecting their money.
Security Concerns
Holders of cryptocurrencies may feel safer thanks to banks. Many individuals are alarmed by hacks on wallets and exchanges. Big banks might protect the digital currency, allaying customers’ concerns. Bank oversight of cryptocurrencies may lower crime and increase confidence in their security.
Custody Services
The OCC declared in July that banks could provide cryptocurrency custody services, even keeping unique keys for private wallets. This implies that banks might safely store either the actual Bitcoin or the password to a customer’s digital wallet.
