In the world of software development, the Crypto “regulatory sandbox” can be defined as a framework in a controlled environment for live testing the new programs, software or applications of innovations that are set for the financial sector inclusive of blockchain-based and cryptocurrencies systems. 

In simple words, if a programmer needs to test his or her new set or piece of code, they can experiment or conduct this by utilizing the sandbox.

Regulatory Sandbox is conducted under a regulator’s oversight with supervision, rules, and safeguards that are required and appropriate. 
The concept of Regulator Sandbox boasts the practice of innovation for software developers and in this case, it being a beneficial approach for the innovators of cryptocurrency.

Innovations can happen at a much higher rate when they are encouraged and acknowledged. When innovation is tested in a live environment with real-time consumers on a trial basis can boost its progress. It helps the makers to test their ideas without the need for spending the overheads cost on compliance and the factors involved with consumer interests. The experiment of trying the product and its results can aid the innovators to improvise if needed and helps them to avoid risks of security. It also creates cohesive and better communication amongst the regulators, businesses, and developers. With the help of a regulatory sandbox, the consumers are also benefited as they are aware of the product that will be available in the market and are known to it.

Regulatory Sandbox also helps to reduce the barriers required for entry, brings the innovation-related cost down, and helps the regulators to have an insight on their further regulatory actions.

With the help of the Regulatory Sandbox, one is sorted about the factor if the innovation is good-to-go, requires improvisation and on what aspects or should be ceased.

Also Read, Everything You Need To Know About DeFi - Decentralized Finance

Regulatory Sandbox in Countries

• Mick Mulvaney, Acting Director of CFPB - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau had announced the launch of a regulatory sandbox in the year June 2018.
• Access to the regulatory sandbox for the relatively 11 blockchains and distributed ledger technology was given in the year June 2018 by the United Kingdom’s FCA - Financial Conduct Authority.
• As per the article by the Economic Times, the firms and startups of the technological sector had asked the banking regulator of India to include the crypto assets and the cryptocurrencies to be included in the framework of a regulatory sandbox for the fintech industry.

Regulatory Sandbox and Fintech 

Like any other sector or subject, fintech also known as financial technology has its innovators working to bring about progress for updating, upgradation or a new technology altogether with its products and services. Security or regulatory compliance is of uttermost importance as fintech involves the financial aspects of payments, transactions, insurance and related activities which is processed majorly by the STP - straight-through processing mode. With the use of regulatory sandbox, the innovators from the authorized businesses can test their innovations of its products, services, business models and many such innovative ideas in real-time with real consumers considering the interests of the consumer, overheads and regulatory compliance in a controlled environment on a trial basis.
Due to the increasing incidents of malicious and fraudulent activities with cryptocurrencies, the financial regulators are aiding to offer the businesses that are authorized to test their products.

The adherence to the security and regulations of the digital assets for cryptocurrency and blockchain technology is equally as important as trying the new innovations in real-time. Regulatory Sandbox enables the regulators and the innovators to come together to work constructively to boost and bring progress and growth together.