Cryptogeddon: How Central Banks Might Respond to a Digital Asset Crash
The Constant Threat of Cryptocurrency Crashes
Since the inception of Bitcoin following the great financial crisis, predictions of the crypto asset market’s demise have been frequent – yet always premature. The crypto crash of 2022 saw the industry lose an estimated 70% of its notional value within six months. However, it has since rebounded, largely due to the US administration’s full-fledged support of the sector.
Trump Administration’s Embrace of Crypto
Former President Donald Trump’s administration embraced all things crypto and made significant contributions to the sector’s recovery. This support was not only evident in regulatory policies but also in public endorsements of digital assets.
Potential Reaction of Monetary Authorities to a Digital Asset Crash
The question that arises now is how might monetary authorities react if a digital asset crash destabilised the financial system? This is a complex issue that requires a deep understanding of the current financial ecosystem and the role digital assets play within it.
Central banks worldwide, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the European Central Bank, and the Swiss National Bank, would likely have to adopt a coordinated approach to mitigate the adverse effects of such a crash. This could involve regulatory interventions, liquidity provisions, and perhaps even the creation of central bank digital currencies as a stable alternative.
Yet, the specifics of such an approach would largely depend on the nature and scale of the crash. Therefore, monetary authorities must remain vigilant and prepared for a wide range of scenarios.



