Capital Reserves

Definition ∞ Capital reserves are funds held by an entity to cover potential liabilities or unexpected financial demands. In the context of digital assets, these reserves often consist of stablecoins, fiat currency, or other highly liquid cryptocurrencies maintained by exchanges, custodians, or decentralized autonomous organizations. Their existence provides a safety margin, helping to ensure solvency and operational continuity. Robust capital reserves are critical for maintaining user trust and stability within the digital asset ecosystem.
Context ∞ News frequently highlights capital reserves when discussing the financial health and regulatory standing of cryptocurrency exchanges and stablecoin issuers. Transparency regarding these reserves is a recurring theme, particularly after market volatility events. Regulators increasingly scrutinize reserve attestations to ensure adequate backing for digital assets and customer funds.