Legal Q&A: Requirements For Reporting Activities Related to Cryptocurrencies
FDIC-supervised banks must now report digital asset ventures
By Scott Birrenkott
Q: Is a Financial Institution Required to Notify Its Regulator When Engaging in Activities Involving Crypto Assets?
A: Yes. FDIC-supervised institutions are required to provide notification, along with certain information, when engaged in any activities involving crypto assets (digital assets). In turn, the FDIC reviews this information to provide relevant supervisory feedback.
While this requirement applies to FDIC-supervised institutions, non-FDIC supervised institutions should still consider proactively working with their prudential federal regulator. As innovations in the space of digital assets continue to develop, and financial institutions explore new relationships, working directly with your regulator is an important step to understanding compliance expectations. Digital assets present potentially unique safety and soundness risks, as well as financial stability concerns, and consumer protection considerations. The FDIC intends to review information provided in order to work with the financial institution engaged in digital asset activities as appropriate.
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is also considering digital asset activity. While there are currently no specific Wisconsin requirements or notification requirements, Wisconsin financial institutions should still consider working proactively with the DFI when engaged in digital assets. While both state and federal regulators support innovations, this is an area that is rapidly evolving, and often misunderstood. Transparent communications between financial institutions and their regulators can help address any potential compliance or safety and soundness concerns.
The new FDIC notice requirements can be found under Section 39 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 CFR Part 364.