Crypto-assets Contents

Contents

Introduction

1 The crypto-asset landscape

Definition and terminology

Emergence of crypto-assets and the current crypto-asset landscape

2 Blockchain and crypto-assets: advantages and limitations

Blockchain (distributed ledger technology) as a means of storing data

Advantages

Limitations

Blockchain as a payments system, and crypto assets as a medium of exchange

Advantages

Limitations

Application of blockchain to financial services and other industries

Financial services

Supply chain management

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

3 The risks of crypto-assets and the regulatory response

Current regulatory remit

Price volatility

Hacking of crypto-asset exchanges and losing access to accounts

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

Money laundering and terrorist financing

Market manipulation

Risks to financial stability

Advertising and investor protections

Potential opportunities from regulation

4 Implementation of regulation

Introduction of regulation in the UK

5 International approach to regulation

Regulation in the United States of America (US)

Regulation in Asia

Regulation in Europe

Conclusions and recommendations

Formal minutes

Witnesses

Published written evidence

List of Reports from the Committee during the current Parliament




Published: 19 September 2018