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European Banking Authority Report on Tokenized Deposits Reveals Regulatory Considerations
Regulatory Analysis of Tokenized Deposits
European Banking Authority (EBA) Evaluates Tokenized Deposits
The recent report by the European Banking Authority (EBA) sheds light on tokenized deposits, viewing them as comparable to traditional deposits from a regulatory standpoint. Although the EBA plans to review existing regulations to ensure their adequacy, the limited current activity in this area means that urgent action is not required. Only two projects were identified in a March survey, with one project seemingly being Germany’s Commercial Bank Money Tokens (CBMT).
Benefits and Risks of Tokenized Deposits
Exploring the Advantages and Challenges of Tokenized Deposits
The EBA’s report highlights the benefits of tokenized deposits, such as programmability, efficiencies, and atomic settlement. While most banks are expected to adopt permissioned blockchains due to client identification requirements and regulatory constraints, risks associated with tokenized deposits include the potential for 51% attacks and dependencies on third parties. Additionally, programmability may introduce liquidity risks, although the impact on deposit retention rates remains uncertain.
Tokenized Deposits vs. Stablecoins
Distinguishing Between Tokenized Deposits and Stablecoins
It is crucial to differentiate bank-issued e-money tokens (EMTs or stablecoins) regulated under Europe’s crypto MiCA regulations from tokenized deposits. Deposits are tied to the account holders’ identities, while stablecoins are bearer instruments associated with token possession. Unlike stablecoins, tokenized deposits cannot be transferred to other parties directly, requiring interbank settlements for transactions. Moreover, banks have the ability to pay interest on deposits, unlike EMTs.
The EBA report references a variety of tokenized deposit projects globally, emphasizing the distinctions between tokenized deposits and stablecoins. For more detailed information on these projects, refer to the comprehensive tokenized deposit report by Ledger Insights.