“The German government approved a draft bill Wednesday aimed at reining in high-frequency trading, stoking fears that tougher rules could stunt the growth of the sector in Europe.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble expressed confidence Wednesday that other European states would soon follow Germany’s lead. “We are once again taking a leading role in Europe,” he said.

The finance ministry estimates that between 40% and 50% of trades on German exchange Deutsche Börse are based on algorithms, the ministry said in a statement. Risks associated with such trading include “extreme and irrational market fluctuations, overburdened trading systems and also the possibility of abuse,” the ministry said. The new rules will make the financial system more resistant to crises by providing “more transparency, safety and oversight,” it added.”

Read Christopher Lawton and Andreas Kissler’s full article here