IMF: Issue CBDCs, Improve Cross-border Payments to Counter Crypto’s ‘Phenomenal Growth’

Bitcoin CBDC Cryptocurrency IMF Regulation
Last updated:
Author
Author
Tim Alper
About Author

Tim Alper is a British journalist and features writer who has worked at Cryptonews.com since 2018. He has written for media outlets such as the BBC, the Guardian, and Chosun Ilbo. He has also worked...

Last updated:
Why Trust Cryptonews
Cryptonews has covered the cryptocurrency industry topics since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts have extensive experience in market analysis and blockchain technologies. We strive to maintain high editorial standards, focusing on factual accuracy and balanced reporting across all areas - from cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects to industry events, products, and technological developments. Our ongoing presence in the industry reflects our commitment to delivering relevant information in the evolving world of digital assets. Read more about Cryptonews
Ad DisclosureWe believe in full transparency with our readers. Some of our content includes affiliate links, and we may earn a commission through these partnerships.
Source: iStock/Bumblee_Dee

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has become the latest major global body to wade in with a call for governments of the world to fight back against crypto adoption – or suffer the consequences.

In its new Global Financial Stability Report, the IMF addressed the “financial stability challenges” of the “crypto ecosystem” in a dedicated chapter, and suggested that economic leaders fight back against crypto – by issuing their own central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

In an accompanying blog post, the IMF conceded that crypto offers “quick and easy payments,” as well as “innovative financial services” and “inclusive access to previously unbanked parts of the world.”

It wrote that the crypto “ecosystem is also flourishing, replete with exchanges, wallets, miners and stablecoin issuers.”

But it also warned that crypto is rife with “consumer protection risks remain substantial given limited or inadequate disclosure and oversight,” noting that some coins were “likely created solely for speculation purposes or even outright fraud.”

The IMF claimed that “cryptoization” was a risk in “emerging economies,” where “crypto adoption” has “outpaced that of advanced economies,” due to factors such as “weak central bank credibility and a vulnerable banking system,” as well as inadequate payments networks.

This cryptoization, the authors added, “can reduce the ability of central banks to effectively implement monetary policy” and bring about “financial stability risks” through “funding and solvency risks arising from currency mismatches.” It could also bring about damages to consumers and compromise financial integrity, they remarked. 

The solution, per the IMF? More regulation, more policing – and more CBDCs.

The report’s authors wrote:

“Policymakers should implement global standards for crypto assets and enhance their ability to monitor the crypto ecosystem by addressing data gaps. Emerging markets faced with cryptoization risks should strengthen macroeconomic policies and consider the benefits of issuing central bank digital currencies.”

On a global scale, the IMF stated that “policymakers should prioritize making cross-border payments faster, cheaper, more transparent and inclusive” – using plans drawn up by the G20.

It also called on national regulators to “prioritize the implementation of existing global standards,” and bolster applicable securities, payments, clearing, and settlements protocols.

Stablecoin issuers were handed yet another warning of a possible regulatory storm ahead, with the authors concluding that “as the role of stablecoins grows,” regulations “should be proportionate to the risks they pose and the economic functions they serve.” Rules “should be aligned,” the body suggested, with “entities that provide similar products,” such as “bank deposits or money market funds.”
____
Learn more: 
Regulators Must Make Sea Change on Crypto, and IMF Is Ready To Engage 
IMF Says Making Bitcoin a National Currency is an ‘Inadvisable Shortcut’

CBDC Shilling and Bitcoin Bashing Might Reach the G20 Level
Central Banks Should Allow Salaries, Social Transfers to be Paid in CBDCs – BIS 

More Articles

DeFi News
Synthetix Acquires TLX in Token-for-Token Deal
Ruholamin Haqshanas
Ruholamin Haqshanas
2024-12-11 11:25:11
Blockchain News
Bitget COO Talks India Expansion, Stresses Compliance as Top Priority
Jai Pratap
Jai Pratap
2024-12-11 10:50:28
Crypto News in numbers
editors
Authors List + 66 More
2M+
Active Monthly Users Around the World
250+
Guides and Reviews Articles
8
Years on the Market
70
International Team Authors