A recent report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) discusses the transformative potential of digital currencies in the Pacific Islands, suggesting that both stablecoins and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could significantly enhance financial inclusion and improve the quality of financial services in this dispersed and remote region.
Published on March 25, the report, authored by senior economic experts at the IMF, delves into the unique challenges of the Pacific Islands—a region comprising dozens of countries and microstates. Key issues include limited and uneven access to financial services, which exacerbates poverty and inequality. Additionally, the region’s heavy reliance on remittances makes it particularly vulnerable to the decline in correspondent banking relationships.
The IMF posits that digital currencies could be a boon for these nations, offering a way to develop more resilient payment systems, broaden access to financial services, and address the erosion of banking networks. Although the IMF’s advocacy for CBDCs is evident, recognising it as a primary focus of their report, the document also acknowledges the role of private stablecoins, specifically those pegged to foreign currencies, albeit with a note of caution against small Pacific Island countries issuing their own due to regulatory challenges. Tether is notably the only private stablecoin mentioned by name.
For Pacific Island countries (PICs) that maintain their national currencies and have well-established banking systems, the IMF suggests a dual-layer CBDC approach. This model involves the central bank issuing the digital currency while entrusting its operation to private sector intermediaries. For those without their own national currencies, the report suggests that foreign currency-backed stablecoins could serve as a viable alternative, provided there is strict regulatory oversight.
The report’s overview of the current financial landscape in the PICs reveals that, as of now, none have officially adopted private crypto or stablecoins. However, a few countries, including Fiji, Palau, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, are investigating the possibility of introducing a CBDC.
The IMF has consistently championed the adoption of CBDCs on a global scale. In November 2023, the organisation’s managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, highlighted the importance of the public sector continuing to prepare for the deployment of CBDCs. She envisions these digital currencies as not only a replacement for cash but also as a secure and cost-effective alternative to private money.
