The global trade group for stock exchanges is calling on regulators to resist the urge to ban trading in crypto derivatives by retail investors.
In response to a consultation by the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) said that regulators should not introduce an outright ban on the sale of crypto derivatives to retail clients.
The WFE said that, while it supports measures to ensure retail investor protection when dealing in the emerging market for crypto derivatives (such as futures, options, contracts for difference and exchange-traded notes), a comprehensive ban would impact regulated exchanges that already follow rules designed to ensure fair and efficient markets.
Instead of imposing an outright ban, the FCA should “find the right balance between enabling innovative products to be traded in the UK, and ensuring that they are sold responsibly, by fully regulated providers,” the WFE said.
If the regulators do opt for a ban, the WFE said it should be reviewed as international standards for crypto assets and markets develop.
“Consumer protection must be foremost when seeking to regulate new and innovative products,” Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the WFE, said in a statement.
“While crypto asset products have real potential, the market has suffered from unregulated providers distributing inappropriate products. Market infrastructures that adhere to strict regulatory requirements, embed consumer protection as part of their mandate and understand that integrity is fundamental to well-functioning markets, are best placed to deliver these products and support the developing marketplace.”