Definition ∞ Risk weight is a factor assigned to different asset classes or exposures by financial regulators to determine the amount of capital banks must hold against them. Assets considered riskier, such as certain loans or volatile investments, are assigned higher risk weights, requiring banks to allocate more capital. This mechanism helps ensure that banks maintain adequate capital buffers commensurate with the risks they undertake. It is a fundamental component of prudential regulation in banking.
Context ∞ In the context of crypto news, risk weights are a significant point of discussion as regulators determine how traditional banks should account for digital asset holdings. Proposals from international bodies often suggest extremely high risk weights for cryptoassets, reflecting their perceived volatility and operational risks. Debates center on whether these proposed weights are overly punitive, potentially hindering the adoption of digital assets by regulated institutions. Future developments will likely involve refined methodologies for calculating cryptoasset risk weights.
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