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05-Feb-2018
The big four banks aren't planning a bitcoin crackdown ... yet
ABC Online
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Australia's largest banks have confirmed they do not currently have plans to block their
customers from buying bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Key points: Some UK banks have instituted bans on buying cryptocurrency with credit
cards Australia's big four banks are not yet planning a clampdown Bitcoin plunged below
$US9,000 on Friday
This differs from the approach taken by UK-based Lloyds Banking Group, and US banks JP
Morgan, Bank of America and Citi.
Those banks, in recent days, have announced they will ban their customers from using
credit cards to purchase digital currencies.
ANZ's response
ANZ told the ABC that it "does not prohibit customers buying digital or cryptocurrencies, or
accepting them as a form of payment".
However, ANZ's spokesperson said: "We monitor transactions for unusual behaviour to
protect against potential fraud and in line with our regulatory responsibilities."
"We do not bank [with] businesses that operate as issuers, dealers or exchanges of digital
or cryptocurrency."
Its reasoning was that "these businesses are currently unregulated and therefore not within
ANZ policy".
What NAB said
National Australia Bank suggested it might not allow certain cryptocurrency transactions to
proceed if security concerns arise.
"ASIC advises that, as most of the virtual currency exchange platforms are generally not
regulated, customers may not be protected or have any legal recourse if the platform fails or
is hacked," NAB's spokesperson said.
"We take the protection of our customers' information and accounts extremely seriously.
"To reduce the risk for our customers, and to help protect their money, some card
transactions may not be processed."
What about Westpac and CBA?
Westpac's spokeswoman confirmed: "We currently have no restrictions on credit card use to
purchase cryptocurrency."
However, she would not comment on the bank's future plans and the potential for a ban —
similar to Westpac's US and UK counterparts.
Commonwealth Bank was contacted for comment, but has not yet responded.
Hardline stance
None of the Australian banks' positions are as severe as their UK counterparts.
"Across Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, Halifax and MBNA [the brands under its corporate
umbrella], we do not accept credit card transactions involving the purchase of
cryptocurrencies," a Lloyds spokeswoman said in an email.
Lloyds' new policy takes effect from today, Reuters reported.
However, the crypto-ban does not apply to debit cards.
Lloyds is concerned its customers may buy bitcoin and other digital currencies to make
profits when they rise — but face significant debts when they fall.
The bank is concerned it could ultimately bear the liability of any unpaid debts should the
cryptocurrency market continue to fall.
Bitcoin plunged below $US9,000 ($11,358) on Friday — after Facebook announced a policy
banning cryptocurrency advertising on its network, and the Indian Government hinted at its
upcoming crackdown.
ABC/Reuters