US Basel III Endgame Set to Increase Market Risk Capital, Impacting Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) Stability

• The US Basel III “endgame” proposal could drastically alter the landscape of capital requirements, impacting market liquidity and the cost of consumer goods.
• ISDA’s analysis suggests that the proposed changes would disproportionately increase capital holdings without a corresponding increase in risk management efficacy.
• “This could lead to reduced economic activities and higher costs for end users,” warns an expert from ISDA.

Explore the potential impacts of the US Basel III endgame on market risk capital and its broader implications for businesses and consumers.

Significant Increase in Market Risk Capital Expected

The Fundamental Review of the Trading Book, a key component of the Basel III endgame, is set to increase market risk capital requirements by up to 101%. This significant rise could affect the financial strategies of banks and their ability to support businesses.

Global Standards vs. Local Implementation

While the Basel Committee sets global standards, the actual implementation varies by country. The US’s stricter approach could mean tighter financial markets and higher operational costs for businesses.

Impact on Derivatives and Consumer Prices

The increased capital requirements could lead to higher costs for derivatives, affecting businesses that rely on these instruments for hedging against market volatility. This might also translate into higher prices for everyday consumer goods.

Lack of Enforcement Capability by the Basel Committee

Despite developing comprehensive regulatory standards, the Basel Committee does not possess enforcement powers, leading to varied implementations that may not fully align with the intended global standards.

Conclusion

The US Basel III endgame poses significant challenges for market participants, potentially leading to reduced liquidity and increased costs that could ripple through the economy. Stakeholders must navigate these changes carefully to mitigate adverse impacts.