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IMF Calls for Global Talks on Digital FX as Bitcoin Whipsaws

IMF is calling for global coordination on cryptocurrencies as it warned of the risks from surging prices.

IMF Calls for Global Talks on Digital FX as Bitcoin Whipsaws
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) seal sits in the room during an International Monetary Fund Committee (IMFC) governors plenary session at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C., U.S. (Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg) -- The International Monetary Fund is calling for global coordination on cryptocurrencies as it warned of the risks from surging prices.

“Greater international discussion and cooperation among regulators, yes, would be helpful,” IMF spokesman Gerry Rice told reporters Thursday in Washington. 

While Rice didn’t elaborate on what type of coordination is needed, the push for action comes as digital currencies such as Bitcoin become an investment phenomenon and household name. Bitcoin’s value soared last year and attracted mainstream investors, who are seeing unpredictable gains and losses. 

“When asset prices go up quickly, risks can accumulate, particularly if market participants are borrowing money to buy,” Rice said. “It’s important for people to be aware of the risks and take the necessary risk-management measures.”

IMF Calls for Global Talks on Digital FX as Bitcoin Whipsaws

The IMF is not alone in recommending greater coordination on digital currencies.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin last week called for the Group of 20 nations to prevent cryptocurrencies from becoming the digital equivalent of an anonymous Swiss bank account. The U.S. wants to ensure “bad people cannot use these currencies to do bad things.”

‘Considerable Risks’

While the currencies have potential benefits such as payment efficiency, their dangers goes beyond losses for individual investors, Rice said. “Cryptocurrencies can pose considerable risks as potential vehicles for money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and fraud,” he said.

The Washington-based IMF was conceived during the Second World War to oversee the Bretton Woods system of pegged exchange rates. Though the fund has evolved since its creation into a lender of last resort for indebted nations, its views on currencies still carry special weight, given its traditional role.

Managing Director Christine Lagarde in September cautioned that cryptocurrencies could eventually become a headache for central bankers as they increase in popularity. “Not so long ago, some experts argued that personal computers would never be adopted, and that tablets would only be used as expensive coffee trays. So I think it may not be wise to dismiss virtual currencies,” she said.

To contact the reporters on this story: Shelly Hagan in Washington at shagan9@bloomberg.net, Andrew Mayeda in Washington at amayeda@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Sarah McGregor at smcgregor5@bloomberg.net, Randall Woods

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