Implications and Challenges of the Use of Blockchain for Financial Regulation

Abstract

區塊鏈技術在金融資產發行、支付、清算及交割等領域具有巨大潛力，且其大規模運用將可能改變既有金融體系資源分配與風險管理的模式。在此趨勢下，若能預先思考其運用對金融監理的啟示與相關法制議題，將有助於因應將至的監理挑戰，並加速法律規範的調適速度。基此，本文從區塊鏈在金融領域的運用與特性出發，嘗試探討區塊鏈金融體系的治理、參與主體的責任分擔、市場競爭與消費者保護的啟示與系統性風險的預防等議題，並預示其運用所可能帶來之金融監理範式與思維的轉變。

Distributed Ledger Technology (known also as “blockchain technology”) has a potential to disrupt financial markets in various ways, such as with asset issuance, payments, clearing and settlement. Its market-wide adoption is likely to reshape the way financial resources and risks being allocated and managed in the contemporary financial system. The use of blockchain technology is expected to pose significant challenges to financial regulation and the legacy legal system. A forward-looking review of the issues that arise would help policymakers, regulators and industry players prepare necessary responses in time.This paper explores implications and challenges of the use of blockchain for financial regulation, and discusses issue areas such as the broader governance issue of blockchain finance, liability allocation among blockchain participants, the implications for market competition and consumer protection, and the prevention of systemic risk. It concludes that the use of blockchain would be a catalyst to bring changes in regulatory norms and thinking.