Singapore’s cryptocurrencies strategy shouldn’t be seen as controversial (“Singapore faces battle for Asia crypto crown”, Report, October 1).
Latest regulatory clampdowns could have raised questions on Singapore’s open strategy to crypto companies, however the regulators right here have gotten it proper. Whether or not or not the area’s “huge wager” pays off, banning cryptocurrency buying and selling is not sensible.
The trade stays a “wild west” as a result of there isn’t any consistency on requirements to make it steady and safe for buyers. Buying and selling, particularly, stays fractured and illiquid, which contributes to the wild value swings.
If it’s a matter of taking a balanced strategy, the one manner you could be certain you might be getting it fallacious is by banning them fully. Monetary authorities, equivalent to these in China, have been all too fast to ban parts of crypto, which solely places buyers at larger danger of fraud, equivalent to preliminary coin providing scams. Individuals will proceed to make use of cryptocurrencies so this may solely push exercise underground or elsewhere. Simply take a look at the variety of start-ups and expertise piling into the sector. The way in which we see it in Singapore, it’s a lot better to learn how to resolve these issues and profit from being a part of the crypto journey.
Accomplished accurately, regulation could be very productive and foster crypto improvement in a wholesome manner by working with the trade to enhance requirements and forestall illicit exercise. Loads of companies on the market need to assist create that framework. It’s about time the US and different main markets caught up and took steps to determine collective frameworks so buyers can function safely and enterprise can thrive.
More and more, for Singapore, the monetary competitors within the area is a recreation of fintech innovation, so I don’t see how we might exclude cryptocurrencies. Our strategy to crypto regulation has created an setting that fosters innovation whereas organising frameworks for safety and stability.
Now that Singapore’s crypto start-ups are gaining momentum, its mainstream monetary establishments are studying in regards to the know-how and world blockchain companies are organising within the area.
Don Guo
Chief Government, Broctagon Fintech Group, Singapore
