Cryptocurrencies’ Status in International Monetary and Financial Law

Cryptocurrencies is a class of digital asset that is controlled using cryptographic algorithms and often works in a decentralized manner. Some experts believe that cryptocurrencies could be the future currency or international money. Therefore, cryptocurrencies and related technology might disrupt many things, including finance and law. Fiat currencies derive their authority from the government or monetary authorities. For example, the Federal Reserve back-stops each dollar bill. However, Cryptocurrencies are not backed by any public or private entities. Therefore, it has been difficult to make a case for their legal status in different financial jurisdictions throughout the world. In order to determine the positions, capacities, and challenges of cryptocurrencies in international monetary and financial law, it is necessary to first analyze the status of cryptocurrencies as money and then examine the position of cryptocurrencies in the International Monetary Fund as well as some other international financial organizations. Monetary and financial organizations have had different positions towards cryptocurrencies. The International Monetary Fund has done little more than encouraging the use of government cryptocurrencies. The position of international financial institutions has also been different in this regard: from the pessimistic approach of the Bank of International Settlements and the European Central Bank to the organizing approach of the Financial Action Task Force, as well as the passive approach of the World Bank Group. It seems that in order to use the benefits of cryptocurrencies (such as blockchain technology in international transactions) and avoid the problems caused by them (such as currency instability and financial crimes), it is necessary to complete and strengthen the international monetary and financial law system in this regard.