What Do Crypto Assets And UFOs Have In Common? Insights From Germany’s Regulator

In the world of crypto regulation, Germany’s financial watchdog, the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), is taking on the role of an air traffic controller. Rupert Schaefer, a notable presence at BaFin, has garnered attention by drawing a comparison between the necessity for regulation and the challenges of managing unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

With a nod to the strange and uncharted territories of the crypto market, Schaefer compellingly argues that just as passengers depend on orderly air traffic for their safety, the digital currency sphere requires firm regulatory guidance to avoid turbulence.

Schaefer emphasized that that just as passengers’ safety relies on orderly air traffic, the stability of financial markets depends on well-structured regulations in the crypto sphere.

Learning From Turbulence In The Crypto Markets

In a recent post, BaFin addressed the growing turbulence within the crypto markets and outlined its commitment to understanding and regulating this ever-evolving sector. Schaefer’s reference to certain digital assets and decentralized finance projects as UFOs highlights the need for vigilance and oversight in the digital asset landscape. Ignoring these entities, he cautioned, would be a grave mistake.

He said:

“Some crypto assets and decentralized finance projects certainly resemble unidentifiable flying objects. It would be negligent to simply ignore them.”

Schaefer expanded on this analogy by stating:

“As financial regulators, we are sitting in the tower. We must know their characteristics, understand them, know their route and intervene if necessary. This is the only way we can ensure safe and orderly air traffic. Market participants can then also benefit from distributed ledger technology (DLT) in the long term.”

Schaefer did not shy away from addressing recent market failures, such as the insolvency of FTX. He stressed that FTX was not an isolated incident and warned that more crypto providers could follow suit without adequate regulations in place.

Schaefer’s view is clear: the digital asset industry will only gain trust and credibility once clear and appropriate rules for crypto markets are firmly established.

BaFin’s Commitment To Regulation

BaFin reinforced its commitment to maintaining high supervisory standards in the crypto industry. The regulator emphasized that it will only grant permission to crypto companies that demonstrate a plausible business model, sufficient startup capital, and reliable management staff.

In Schaefer’s words:

“It must not be the case that providers with potentially dubious business models and lax compliance operate from virtual locations. Only then can we create a level playing field and an orderly airspace in which all passengers feel safe, even on long-haul flights.”

As Germany’s financial watchdog continues its mission to maintain stability and security in the digital currency markets, Schaefer’s analogy of “orderly air traffic” serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of comprehensive regulation in the ever-expanding world of digital assets. For now, the industry watches closely as Germany takes proactive steps toward ensuring a safer and more trustworthy landscape for all participants.

Featured image from Axios