The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has recently unveiled its final disclosure framework for banks’ crypto exposures, along with targeted amendments to its cryptoasset standards. These changes aim to tighten the criteria for certain stablecoins to receive preferential regulatory treatment. Scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, the Committee has been diligently working on these updates for over a year.
The new disclosure framework, known as DIS55, requires banks to provide detailed information on their crypto activities using standardized tables and templates. This includes qualitative descriptions of their crypto-related business, as well as quantitative data on capital and liquidity requirements. By standardizing these disclosures, the Committee seeks to enhance market discipline, reduce information gaps among market participants, and ultimately improve transparency and stability within the financial system.
In addition to sharing how they assess risks and classify these assets, banks must also disclose data on their crypto exposures and related capital requirements. This includes information on the accounting classification and liquidity needs for these assets. The updated standards introduce a new definition of “materiality” for certain crypto-assets and establish thresholds for when banks must disclose their exposures. Furthermore, banks are required to report average daily values for their crypto holdings to provide a more accurate depiction of their risk levels.
Alongside the disclosure framework, the Basel Committee has revised its prudential standard for crypto-assets. These amendments focus on tightening the criteria for certain stablecoins to receive preferential regulatory treatment. By clarifying the regulatory framework and promoting a consistent understanding of the standards across jurisdictions, these changes are poised to benefit the industry as a whole. The Committee has also made technical amendments, such as removing detailed requirements and clarifying the scope of disclosures, to further enhance regulatory clarity.
The Basel Committee emphasized its ongoing commitment to monitoring developments in the cryptoasset markets and adjusting its regulatory framework as needed to address emerging risks. By staying vigilant and responsive to changes in the industry, the Committee is better positioned to uphold the integrity of the financial system and promote a safe and stable environment for banks’ engagement with the cryptoasset market.
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