Off the Crypto Rollercoaster: Are stable coins and centralised digital currencies ‘safe’ alternatives?

In the face of soaring market values for a variety of cryptocurrencies, public authorities and established financial institutions across the world have been forced to start considering the implications of these assets’ wider usage. Cryptocurrencies are no longer seen to be a ‘fringe’ interest, or of little relevance to the wider economy.

Nonetheless, concerns continue about the perceived risks of market failure and abuse that come with the assets. Organisations in the public and private sectors are both trying to clarify their approaches to the issue. Some are rejecting crypto outright, while others are choosing to ride the rollercoaster. But between the extremes, others have been seeking to develop crypto in a more ‘risk friendly’ way. Private stablecoins – cryptocurrencies linked to the value of more tangible assets – are one proposed solution – while fully digitalised versions of pre-existing fiat currencies are another.

In this panel, our experts will explore the growing diversity of virtual and digital currencies, the likely future trends, and the growing role that governments and ‘big technology’ firms are seeking to play in the space. They will also ask whether these alternatives can really have the same market appeal as pure ‘crypto’ - without the potential risks.