After agreeing to curtail its ambitious Bitcoin initiatives, El Salvador has reached a $1.4 billion loan arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The agreement, which needs the approval of the IMF Executive Board, aims to support El Salvador’s reform agenda, boost fiscal and external sustainability, and create conditions for stronger, inclusive growth. IMF Loan...Read More
In a post on X on Aug. 16, crypto ESG advocate and researcher Daniel Batten posted a rebuttal to an Aug. 15 IMF report on Bitcoin mining emissions. He argued that the IMF report uses flawed rhetorical techniques, such as “guilt by association,” by linking Bitcoin mining with AI data centers’ energy consumption. The report...Read More
As cryptocurrencies cement their position in investor’s portfolios, nations around the world are also showing great interest in digital currencies that are backed by fiat currencies. The idea of a Central Bank Digital Currency [CBDC] has surfaced from the need for secure and faster payments in comparison to physical cash. Currently, China has maintained its...Read More
With the ongoing conversation surrounding central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is examining its potential role in future sovereign digital currency issuances. IMF Weighs Pros and Cons of CBDC In an analysis posted on the IMFBlog earlier in December, the IMF discussed its potential role within the emerging CBDC discussion as...Read More
Around half of European countries, over 20, now have 0% interest rates and a few are already in negative territory. Ukraine, which has the highest benchmark interest rate on the continent, has just reduced it again, for the fifth time this year. The race between central banks to cut rates, when there is inflation, has...Read More
At her first press conference as head of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde outlined her plans to lead the ECB “ahead of the curve” in the field of digital currency. “There is clearly a demand out there that we have to respond to,” she said, referring to stablecoins. Also read: Regulatory Roundup –...Read More
