New rules around cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based assets could be developed in the months ahead, a European Union official said Monday following a roundtable discussion on the topic.
In remarks made after the event, European Commission vice president Valdis Dombrovskis suggested that the bloc's leadership may pursue additional oversight, though he said such an outcome "depends very much on the facts and circumstance around specific crypto-tokens" and that more work will be performed by the Commission on this front.He told reporters:
"This is an opportunity, but there are also problems that expose investors to substantial risk, such as the lack of transparency regarding the identity of the issuers and underlying business plans.
"The vice president noted that a relatively small amount of cryptocurrency trading occurs within the EU and that, as a result, Europe needs to work with other G20 nations to address these possible risks.In a way, he echoed a call by officials from France and Germany, two G20 members who said cryptocurrencies could "pose a substantial risk for investors" in a letter earlier this month.
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In remarks made after the event, European Commission vice president Valdis Dombrovskis suggested that the bloc's leadership may pursue additional oversight, though he said such an outcome "depends very much on the facts and circumstance around specific crypto-tokens" and that more work will be performed by the Commission on this front.He told reporters:
"This depends very much on the facts and circumstances around specific crypto-tokens. Based on the assessment of risks and opportunities and the suitability of the existing regulatory framework for these instruments, the Commission will determine if regulatory action at EU level is required."By contrast, Dombrovskis struck what appeared to be a positive tone about initial coin offerings (ICOs) while also acknowledging the risk for those investing in some of the blockchain projects which conduct token sales."[ICOs] have become a way for innovative firms in this field to raise substantial amounts of funding," he was quoted as saying.
"This is an opportunity, but there are also problems that expose investors to substantial risk, such as the lack of transparency regarding the identity of the issuers and underlying business plans.
"The vice president noted that a relatively small amount of cryptocurrency trading occurs within the EU and that, as a result, Europe needs to work with other G20 nations to address these possible risks.In a way, he echoed a call by officials from France and Germany, two G20 members who said cryptocurrencies could "pose a substantial risk for investors" in a letter earlier this month.
The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk is an independent media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. Have breaking news or a story tip to send to our journalists? Contact us at [email protected].
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Francisco Gimeno - BC Analyst When an European Commission vice president talks about cryptocurrencies we need to listen. Eu is convinced that maybe to wait for a time until cryptocurrencies are more established is wrong and that EU would need to quickly regulate the sector to avoid future problems.