Capital Conservation

Definition ∞ Capital conservation refers to the practice of maintaining sufficient financial resources to absorb unexpected losses and sustain operations during periods of economic stress. This principle guides financial institutions in building capital buffers beyond minimum regulatory requirements. Its purpose is to enhance resilience, allowing banks to continue lending and supporting the economy even in challenging market conditions. Effective capital conservation helps prevent systemic instability.
Context ∞ Within the cryptocurrency space, capital conservation principles are relevant for entities dealing with digital assets, particularly regarding market volatility. News often covers discussions on whether crypto businesses should hold specific capital reserves to protect against price swings or operational failures. Regulators are examining how traditional capital conservation frameworks can be applied or adapted to the unique risk profiles of digital asset firms and their exposures.