BIS Lifts the Veil on Banks’ Crypto Activities: What Will Change?

The Basel Committee, under the aegis of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), has just approved an innovative framework for the disclosure of banking exposures to crypto. This decision marks a turning point in the regulation of the digital asset market, aimed at strengthening transparency and risk management.

A decisive step towards transparency in the banking sector

The adoption of this new framework by the Basel Committee, the world’s leading banking regulator, is a testament to the growing importance of crypto in the financial system. Set to be implemented in early 2026, the framework will require banks to disclose detailed information about their crypto-asset activities.

The framework includes a set of publicly available tables and models, providing a clear overview of banking exposures to digital assets. This initiative aims to improve market discipline and facilitate risk assessment, addressing regulators' concerns about the rise of the crypto sector.

Banks will need to provide both qualitative and quantitative information, allowing for an in-depth understanding of their involvement in the crypto universe.

Targeted revisions to the crypto prudential standard

Alongside the disclosure framework, the Basel Committee also approved changes to the crypto prudential standard. These adjustments aim to clarify the criteria for stablecoins to benefit from preferential regulatory treatment, classified in the “group 1b” category.

This revision underlines the regulators’ desire to adapt the regulatory framework to the rapidly evolving crypto market. In particular, it offers greater flexibility for stablecoins, recognizing their potential role in the financial system while maintaining strict prudential requirements.

In short, the updated version of the standard, expected by the end of the month, will specify these modifications and their impact on the regulatory treatment of different types of digital assets.