The spectacular rise of the cryptocurrency industry has presented a fresh challenge for financial regulators. Some researchers and policymakers have warned the overly aggressive crypto market regulation might clutter the promising new financial asset class. Others have indicated that businesses could flee the jurisdictions whose regulations they consider ‘anti-crypto’ to the less regulated jurisdictions. Moreover, some have suggested that crypto regulatory actions will inspire market activity by offering clarity to participants.
Crypto investors in Africa currently have minimal or no protection in the market, as there are no clear-cut regulations for protecting assets. Most of the trading happening in the crypto space is not regulated, creating a considerable gap. The lack of regulation means investor protection on crypto exchange platforms remains much weaker compared to the securities or futures market.
The trend toward regulation and transparency of crypto in 2023 will gain traction. Consequently, more enterprises in the industry will grow emboldened and begin to interact with crypto to offer services to their customers. Despite recent developments in the crypto industry, it remains a significant area of interest. Customers are continually looking for methods to engage in the possibilities of a decentralized, low-cost, globally accessible banking system. They will, however, want to do so as securely as possible, with the comfort provided by professional guidance, rock-solid custodian services, and organizations with a strong history of governance and thorough third-party audit.
Crypto became cautious in late 2022 and will aim to get serious in 2023. People should expect to see more suits and fewer surf and skater clothing at events and conferences where the crypto community meets.
Cryptocurrencies in Africa continued to perform their functions amid market downturn and volatility. The decreases in value during the crypto bear market 2022 undoubtedly affected some African investors in the same way as investors globally. However, retail investors remained immune to downturns compared to speculative traders since they likely use crypto for specific purposes.
In African markets, crypto is a less tradeable asset and more of a hedge against capital restrictions and the volatility of local currencies. Even dramatic fluctuations in value, seen from this year’s crypto bear market, remain somewhat insignificant since African users normally cash in and out quickly. As long as Africa's crypto market allows users to transfer money in a timely and cost-effective manner, the specific price at which it trades is not a significant concern.
