Global financial regulators are revisiting strict banking rules for crypto holdings ahead of their implementation in 2025. These rules, introduced by the Basel Committee in 2022, had required banks to hold large amounts of capital against crypto assets, especially for volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The aim was to protect the financial system from crypto market risks—but the approach may now be shifting.
Stablecoins, which are designed to maintain a stable value by being backed by assets like the US dollar, have grown rapidly and are becoming more integral to the digital economy. As a result, regulators are considering more flexible rules specifically for these less volatile assets.
US Leads Push for Bank-Friendly Reforms
The United States has been at the forefront of efforts to soften the original Basel rules. Banks in the US and other major economies argued that the high capital charges made it impractical to hold or offer services related to crypto, especially when it comes to stablecoins.
With stablecoins now playing a growing role in payments and financial innovation, the revised rules may aim to better distinguish between high-risk cryptocurrencies and more stable digital assets. This could open the door for more traditional financial institutions to safely enter the crypto space.
Global regulators are reviewing banking rules on crypto holdings, especially stablecoins, due to take effect next year. The original Basel standards from 2022 imposed heavy capital requirements, causing many banks to avoid crypto. The review aims to update these rules in response…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) October 31, 2025
New Standards Expected by Early 2025
The revised Basel standards are expected to take shape before the end of 2024, giving banks time to prepare. While the final framework is still under review, the goal is to strike a balance between financial stability and innovation.
For the crypto sector, this shift could mark a turning point. If rules become more practical, especially for stablecoin-related services, it may accelerate mainstream adoption of digital assets through regulated banking channels.