Curiosity in central financial institution digital currencies (CBDCs) is on the rise in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with a number of international locations making vital developments of their adoption, in line with IMF. Whereas El Salvador gained consideration for legalizing Bitcoin as a type of cost, different LAC nations are exploring CBDCs to boost monetary inclusion, decrease cross-border remittance prices, and strengthen cost programs.
The Bahamas took the lead in 2020 by introducing the Sand Greenback, the world’s first CBDC. Following swimsuit, the Jap Caribbean Forex Union (ECCU) and Jamaica have additionally launched their very own CBDCs. In the meantime, Brazil is within the superior Proof-of-Idea stage for its CBDC undertaking, aiming to tokenize belongings similar to actual property, shares, and commodities to extend liquidity and facilitate transfers.
Along with CBDCs, crypto asset adoption in LAC has been noteworthy. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador ranked among the many high 20 international locations globally in crypto asset adoption. These international locations are interested in the potential advantages provided by digital belongings, together with safety towards macroeconomic uncertainties, improved monetary inclusion for the unbanked, sooner and cheaper funds, and elevated competitors.
Nonetheless, the adoption of crypto belongings additionally comes with challenges and dangers, notably for LAC international locations with a historical past of macroeconomic instability, low institutional credibility, and intensive casual sectors. To deal with these dangers, regulatory frameworks for crypto belongings differ throughout LAC international locations. Whereas El Salvador has embraced Bitcoin as authorized tender, different nations similar to Argentina and the Dominican Republic have banned their use as a consequence of considerations about monetary stability, tax evasion, corruption, and cash laundering.
El Salvador’s expertise with Bitcoin highlights the dangers related to unbacked crypto belongings, as their worth depends solely on provide and demand, resulting in vital value volatility. Regardless of being declared authorized tender, Bitcoin has not gained widespread acceptance as a medium of trade in El Salvador. This means the necessity for efficient regulation and oversight.
Stablecoins, one other kind of crypto asset, additionally current challenges. Meta’s pilot undertaking aimed to allow home and cross-border funds with out charges utilizing its digital pockets, Novi. Nonetheless, the undertaking confronted regulatory pushback and the danger of home forex substitution in Guatemala, resulting in its discontinuation in 2022.
In response to the rising curiosity in CBDCs and crypto belongings, most central banks in LAC are exploring the potential introduction of CBDCs. Retail CBDCs, designed for most of the people, are seen as a way to boost cost programs, enhance monetary inclusion, and preserve financial sovereignty. The ECCU and the Bahamas have already issued their very own CBDCs, specializing in monetary inclusion in distant areas and strengthening cost system resilience throughout crises. Nonetheless, gradual adoption and entry disruptions have highlighted the significance of public consciousness campaigns and sturdy infrastructure to advertise CBDC utilization.
To successfully handle the dangers related to crypto belongings, the IMF recommends implementing applicable insurance policies that strike a steadiness between threat mitigation and technological innovation. Properly-designed CBDCs have the potential to boost cost system effectivity, resilience, and monetary inclusion in LAC.
As LAC international locations navigate the complexities of digital currencies, placing the precise regulatory steadiness might be essential. By fostering monetary inclusion, bettering cost programs, and addressing the drivers of crypto asset demand, LAC nations can leverage CBDCs and successfully regulate crypto belongings to pave the way in which for a digital and inclusive monetary future within the area.
