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Cryptocurrencies and Decentralised Finance

Author

Listed:
  • Igor Makarov
  • Antoinette Schoar

Abstract

The paper provides an overview of cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance. The discussion lays out potential benefits and challenges of the new system and presents a comparison to the traditional system of financial intermediation. Our analysis highlights that while the DeFi architecture might have the potential to reduce transaction costs, similar to the traditional financial system, there are several layers where rents can accumulate due to endogenous constraints to competition. We show that the permissionless and pseudonymous design of DeFi generates challenges for enforcing tax compliance, anti-money laundering laws, and preventing financial malfeasance. We highlight ways to regulate the DeFi system which would preserve a majority of benefits of the underlying blockchain architecture but support accountability and regulatory compliance.

Suggested Citation

  • Igor Makarov & Antoinette Schoar, 2022. "Cryptocurrencies and Decentralised Finance," BIS Working Papers 1061, Bank for International Settlements.
    • Handle: RePEc:bis:biswps:1061
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Kirimhan, Destan, 2023. "Importance of anti-money laundering regulations among prosumers for a cybersecure decentralized finance," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    2. Jean Barthélémy & Paul Gardin & Benoit Nguyen, 2023. "Stablecoins and the Financing of the Real Economy," Working papers 908, Banque de France.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Decentralized finance; blockchain technology; financial intermediation; system risk;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G12 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Asset Pricing; Trading Volume; Bond Interest Rates
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • F38 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - International Financial Policy: Financial Transactions Tax; Capital Controls

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