In 2022, the US kicked Russia out of the SWIFT system, causing significant losses for Russian businesses and ordinary citizens. Even Switzerland’s traditionally neutral banks joined this looting. The monopoly over the financial system and global currency once gave the U.S. and EU such capability, but at the 2024 BRICS summit, Western countries permanently lost this advantage.
Previously:
Russia outlines proposal for BRICS DLT cross border payment system
A new research paper out of Russia proposes the future of the international monetary and financial system. The country is the current chair of BRICS which is meeting next week. One of its proposals is a CBDC and DLT system to support local currency payments. While the paper makes some interesting points, the mixture of fact and propaganda undermines the document’s gravitas. The document was authored by the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Russia and Yakov and Partners.
Russia outlines proposal for BRICS DLT cross border payment system
Related:
Dueling Digital Dollar Bills Debated in Congressional Hearing on U.S. CBDC
Will Citizens’ Distrust of Government Surveillance Stop CBDCs?
But the eNaira launch came nine months after the CBN effectively banned cryptocurrencies, which were used to fund anti-police brutality protests that swept the country in late 2020. The CBN claimed crypto jeopardized the financial system and could be used to fund terrorism and froze protestors’ bank accounts.
Citigroup, the American multinational investment bank and financial services corporation, has become the latest firm to wade into the blockchain waters as Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) has announced the creation and pilot testing of the Citi Token Services for cash management and trade finance.
Citi launches blockchain-based token services for cash management and trade finance
The Biden administration is moving one step closer to developing a central bank digital currency, known as the digital dollar. Administration officials say it’d help reinforce the U.S. role as a leader in the world financial system.
US Treasury recommends exploring creation of a digital dollar
H/T: PFYT2
Related:
A digital dollar would allow Americans to directly open up an account at the Fed
And while some have suggested that the Fed could potentially launch a digital dollar on a public network like Ethereum, Luther suspects that it would instead choose to launch on its own dedicated blockchain.
“A public blockchain would limit the government’s ability to control access and monitor transactions. I am not convinced it will give up control and oversight, even if doing so would be in the best interest of society.”
Fed’s Powell: a U.S. digital dollar could help maintain international primacy
The development of an official digital version of the U.S. dollar could help safeguard its global dominance as other countries issue their own, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Friday, weighing in with generally positive remarks on a hot-button topic at the central bank that has left policymakers divided.
…
Ten countries have already launched central bank digital currencies and another 105 countries are exploring the option, according to the Atlantic Council, leading to fears the dollar could lose some of its dominance to China.
Federal Reserve System Takes First Step Toward Creating Its Own Digital Currency
While the Paper examines the potential benefits and risks of a U.S. CBDC, it is not intended to advance any specific policy outcome, nor is it intended to signal that the Fed will make any imminent decisions about the appropriateness of issuing a U.S. CBDC. However, the Paper undoubtedly is the Fed’s first step toward central bank digital currencies via a public discussion with its stakeholders.
Why the Fed hates cryptocurrencies and especially stablecoins
“[They’re] popular because it’s money that’s independent of politicians and bankers,” said Mati Greenspan, portfolio manager and Quantum Economics founder. “People want the separation of government and money. They clearly don’t get that.”
…
“Were diem, or even a Chinese CBDC, to be accepted by many other countries, the U.S. dollar would lose its dominance,” continued Bordo.
Ms. Cat’s Chronicles 