Intermediary Relief

Definition ∞ Intermediary relief refers to regulatory exemptions or modified requirements granted to financial intermediaries. This relief aims to reduce the compliance burden for entities that facilitate transactions or provide services between parties. It often applies where the intermediary’s role is limited, or where strict application of rules would hinder market efficiency without providing substantial additional protection. Such relief supports the smooth functioning of financial markets.
Context ∞ Intermediary relief is a recurring theme in discussions about regulating digital asset service providers, particularly concerning custody solutions and trading platforms. Regulators are assessing whether certain crypto intermediaries require tailored relief from traditional financial regulations due to the unique characteristics of blockchain technology. The goal is to establish a pragmatic regulatory approach that supports innovation while maintaining adequate consumer safeguards and market stability.