IMF Representative of Nigeria Calls for Caution Over the Use of Cryptocurrencies

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) resident representative for Nigeria, Ari Aisen recently discussed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive that targets crypto entities. In remarks made during a special virtual press briefing, Aisen repeats some of the CBN’s claims that cryptocurrencies were being used “for illegal transactions such as money laundering and drug trafficking.” … Read more

IMF Tells Governments: Spend as Much as You Can and Then Spend More

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on countries worldwide to spend as much as they can and then spend more. She admitted that this is a “very unusual” policy for the IMF but it is needed to revive economies. Many people are interpreting her statement as very bullish for bitcoin. IMF … Read more

Is Digital Currency Money? — IMF Says Only 23% of Central Banks Can Legally Issue Digital Currencies

Researchers at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have examined the central bank laws of 174 IMF members to answer the question of whether a digital currency is really money. They found that of all the central banks studied, only about 23%, or 40 central banks, “are legally allowed to issue digital currencies.” IMF Explores if … Read more

ECB Chief Christine Lagarde Calls for Global Bitcoin Regulation — Says BTC Conducts ‘Funny Business’

The president of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde, has called for the global regulation of bitcoin. She said that bitcoin is a highly speculative asset and has “conducted some funny business.” Emphasizing the need for countries to work together to regulate bitcoin, she suggested that the crypto regulation could be “initiated by the … Read more

The US Dollar’s Share of Global Reserve Currencies Drops as Japanese Yen’s Share Increases

The U.S. dollar’s dominant position as the reserve currency of choice may be in peril, as its share of global currencies held in reserves continues to decline. International Monetary Fund (IMF) data shows, the dollar’s share of reserves dropped from 66% in Q3 of 2014 to just above 60% in Q3 of 2020. This means … Read more

Real Estate Billionaire Sam Zell Skeptical of Bitcoin but Says ‘It May Be the Answer or One of the Answers’

The founder and chairman of Equity Group Investments Sam Zell says he is sceptical of bitcoin but concedes that it may be part of the solution. In particular, the billionaire and real estate magnate thinks the bitcoin community is composed of many individuals that he is not fond of. Fast Talking Characters In remarks made … Read more

IMF Cautions Central Banks May Have to Rethink What Constitutes Reserves

The IMF warns that central banks may have to rethink what constitutes their reserve currency holdings. In a recent study, the global lender points to the changing geopolitical landscape, technological advances and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic as events likely to influence the composition of reserves. Advances in Financial Technologies In addition to the … Read more

Bitcoin’s Market Cap Is More Valuable Than the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights Reserves

At its current price per unit, the decentralized cryptocurrency Bitcoin’s market valuation has surpassed the overall value of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Special Drawing Rights market (SDR $281 billion). Since the massive global market rout on March 12, bitcoin has risen over 323% since the crypto asset’s $3,600 low in 2020. The price of … Read more