Regulating Cryptocurrencies: Between Innovation and Risk Management -An Academic Analysis of Regulatory Approaches to Digital Assets

Abstract

This paper examines the critical tension between fostering innovation in cryptocurrency markets and implementing adequate risk management regulations. Through analysis of regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions, this study identifies the core challenges facing policymakers: market volatility, consumer protection, financial crime prevention, and systemic risk management. The research reveals that regulatory approaches exist along a spectrum from innovation-prioritizing to risk-averse, with successful frameworks demonstrating adaptability, proportionality, and technological competence. This paper argues that principles-based regulation, regulatory sandboxes, and international coordination represent promising approaches that balance the dual imperatives of innovation and risk management. The findings contribute to ongoing scholarly discussions on optimal cryptocurrency governance and provide a theoretical foundation for developing balanced regulatory frameworks that can adapt to this rapidly evolving technological landscape.