The European Central Bank (ECB) has released a report shedding light on the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), in emerging and developing economies (EMDEs).
The report identifies three key factors driving this trend and underscores the significance of cryptocurrencies as a store of value for individuals in countries with unstable domestic currencies.
Cryptocurrencies as speculative assets
One of the primary catalysts for the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies in EMDEs, as highlighted by the ECB, is their appeal as speculative assets. In regions where investment options are limited by regulatory or institutional constraints, cryptocurrencies provide an alternative avenue for investors. This has resulted in a surge of interest in digital assets like Bitcoin, which are seen as potential wealth-building tools.
Cryptocurrencies have gained traction as a better store of value compared to domestic currencies in countries grappling with high inflation rates and depreciating exchange rates. For individuals residing in these regions, holding cryptocurrencies offers a degree of protection against the erosion of purchasing power caused by currency devaluation.
While cryptocurrency prices can be highly volatile, they have proven to be more resilient in the face of economic instability, making them an attractive option for safeguarding wealth.
Cross-border transactions and capital control evasion
The third driver of cryptocurrency adoption in EMDEs, according to the ECB, is the use of digital assets for cross-border transactions. Cryptocurrencies enable residents in these countries to circumvent capital controls and reduce the cost of receiving remittances from abroad. With cryptocurrencies, individuals can conduct international transactions more efficiently and with lower fees, making it an attractive option for cross-border commerce.
The ECB report also draws attention to the depreciation of fiat currencies in EMDEs, which has accelerated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This currency devaluation has led to an uptick in cryptocurrency trading activity.
It suggests that Bitcoin, despite its price volatility, has been increasingly valued as a store of value and a medium of exchange in countries experiencing a decline in the purchasing power of their domestic currency. This relationship between macroeconomic instability and greater cryptoasset usage underscores the importance of cryptocurrencies in mitigating financial uncertainty.
