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FCA warns young investors against fake cryptos

source-logo  thecoinrepublic.com 07 September 2021 14:59, UTC

Intro: The Chairman of FCA, Charles Randell gave warnings especially to the young investors to be cautious of the crypto internet scams. For the fear of missing out, these investors invest money with little or no knowledge of the risk involved in the token which is not even currency. 

The FOMO fear seems to be developing in the cryptocurrency industry too. There have been many people who are buying cryptocurrencies without any knowledge just for the sake of fear of missing out. The regulators have issued a warning about the risk of buying crypto-assets promoted by social media influencers like Kim Kardashian West. 

The regulators have observed that people with little knowledge of the risks were buying the cryptocurrency for fear of missing out. The watchdog has warned the younger investors, especially those who are duped easily as they do not relate to the fishy crimes of the darknet. 

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has cautioned everyone against buying into the hype of cryptocurrencies, mainly new tokens subsidized through celebrities that could turn out to be fake. Charles Randell, Chairman of the FCA said, the hype around the celebs’ tokens generates a powerful fear of missing out for some consumers who may have little knowledge about the risks involved. 

He further added that there is no shortage of stories of people who have lost savings by being lured into the crypto bubble. They want to become rich quickly and for that, they can be duped easily by the influencers. 

Randell is also cautious that several buyers purchase speculative cryptocurrencies in the notion that they are regulated. They do not have any financial protection if they invest in cryptocurrencies. They will also not have access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if they lose their cash. 

Randell has been repeating his warning several times so that no consumer should lose his money. During his speech for the Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime, he gave the example of the US TV Star Kim Kardashian West, who was criticised for posting a paid promotion of a cryptocurrency token called Ethereum Max to her Insta stories. She has requested her 250 million lovers approximately their crypto investments.

Randell informed that Kardashian did not disclose that the token was created only a month ago. But he stated that social media influencers are paid frequently to assist them to pump and unload new tokens at the return of natural speculation. Some influencers promote coins that simply do not exist. 

Content is the culprit

The chairman feels that the content is the main issue here. There is great power in the content to govern the internet promotions of crypto assets. Hence, it is required that the content used should be such which does not mislead the consumer. It becomes difficult for the regulators to stand for the consumer who has put their money in jeopardy. 

Nearly 2.3 million people in the UK presently keep speculative virtual tokens, with 14% the usage of credit score to shop for them, placing them susceptible to extra-economic losses. However, the decision on whether to regulate was not straightforward and could result withinside the legitimisation of cryptocurrencies or provide clients with a fake feel of security.

Properly draft regulation needed

There is a splendid deal of well-drafted guidelines required to craft the suitable regulation. Meanwhile, the FCA ought to receive powers to crack down on deceptive cryptocurrency promotions, even though they no longer modify the asset directly. The FCA is awaiting the Treasury to offer its tips after a month-long session on the problem ultimate year.

The chairman has also advised banks to keep aside enough capital to cover 100% of potential losses if they decide to hold crypto assets. The suggestion has been given to keep away from the broader capacity economic gadget at hazard need to the fee of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin unexpectedly collapse.

thecoinrepublic.com