CBDC is an emerging financial technology that enables low and free-cost financial services to the adult population in LAC. To be successful, CBDCs need to reach a critical mass of adults. Moreover, they must not suffer from the same pitfalls as other fintech alternatives. In addition, they will require stable Internet connections and smartphones. Fortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has narrowed the digital divide.
IMF
The IMF CBDC in Latin America has two main tasks. The first is to provide massive emergency assistance. The IMF will seek to inject this money through a rapid financing instrument. The second is to work with the country’s economic team and develop a medium-term economic plan. This plan must include debt relief and policy reforms.
The CBI index is based on an implicit deflator. This index is based on the criteria listed in Annex I. In the early 1930s, inflation rates in Latin America were negative, so these stabilization measures were only short-term successes. In 1990, however, inflation in Latin America had reached 500 percent.
In Latin America, regulators have shown increasing interest in CBDCs as a means to address the financial inclusion challenges that the region faces. Despite the fact that 52% of the population is above the age of 15, financial inclusion is still a major challenge in most of the region. Consequently, most LAC economies cite financial inclusion as one of their primary reasons for interest in CBDCs.
The IMF CBDC in Latin America project is led by the Uruguayan central bank. The report is authored by Adolfo Sarmiento, an economist with a PhD in economics. He is the current head of economic policy at the Central Bank of Uruguay and also serves as an external adviser to the International Monetary Fund. In addition, he works as a researcher and professor.
While Latin America is still grappling with issues like the pandemic, the region is seeing a steady rebound in its growth momentum. This is largely due to the return of the service sector, improved employment levels and the support of favorable external conditions such as high commodity prices and rebounding tourism. This has helped improve the forecast for the region’s GDP growth.
Remittances are a major source of individual financing in LAC. In 2010, they increased by 21.6% to 104 billion USD, with Mexico receiving 42% of all regional remittances. Remittances can amount to over 20% of the regional GDP in many smaller economies. However, the cost of remittances remains high. CBDCs can help reduce these fees.
Central banks
Central banks in Latin America have made progress in achieving price stability, which is critical for sustainable economic growth. But there are still challenges in the region. The central banks in the region discuss the key challenges they face, and the progress made in recent years. This article examines these challenges and how these can be overcome.
One challenge for central banks in emerging markets is attracting more capital inflows by raising policy rates. However, this can lead to a paradoxical situation, as deposit rates will not rise at the same time as lending rates. In response, some central banks in Latin America have tried to address this dilemma by raising reserve requirements and deposit rates. However, this solution does not work for all countries. This paper examines how Latin American central banks address this dilemma using data from 128 banks in seven countries.
The region has also benefited from increased demand for raw materials. This has partly offset the downward pressure on economic activity, and has temporarily stimulated growth. In addition, the region has made structural improvements to make it more resilient. Although the region has faced several economic challenges over the last three decades, it is far from being on the verge of another lost decade.
The authors of the Journal will present video-presentations of influential monetary authorities in the region and international renowned academics who have contributed to the field of central banking. The authors will present key aspects of central banking research relevant to the region and the role of the LAJCB. The Editorial Office will also be on hand to answer any queries about publication and governance.
In addition to improving their liquidity, Central Banks in Latin America took steps to strengthen their financial systems. This included purchasing government bonds and increasing credit to banks. However, most countries still limited their ability to finance the fiscal authorities and private sector. This increased the amount of debt that banks held in their balance sheets, and led to an increase in bonds as a percentage of their total assets.
Central banks in Latin America acted decisively when the threat of inflation was present. According to Alejandro Werner, former director of the Georgetown Americas Institute and predecessor at the IMF’s western hemisphere department, the G7 central banks place too much trust in flawed economic models. However, Central Bankers in Latin America use models that address the real needs of the country.
Government oversight
CBDCs are a type of digital currency that is issued by a central bank, and some countries in Latin America are exploring the concept. They may have many advantages for emerging markets, but the key challenge is government oversight. CBDCs have the potential to drive financial inclusion and improve efficiency. They can cut transaction costs to almost zero and don’t require a bank account.
There is an important need to coordinate federal research and development activities on the use of digital currencies in Latin America, as well as with other safety-net programs. The CBDC system must work with these safety-net programs, especially for people who are low-income, underbanked, and do not have access to high-speed internet.
CBDCs can help improve financial inclusion in Latin America. According to the World Bank, only 55 percent of Latin Americans have a bank account, and many people in rural areas don’t have access to the financial system. Those who do have bank accounts can use them to buy goods and services without relying on expensive fees and high transaction costs.
The Biden-Harris Administration is stressing the importance of research and development as part of its CBDC policy. The Executive Order outlines the objectives for CBDC policy. In the White House Reports, CBDC technical design decisions are analyzed against the policy objectives. They are used as a guide to aid policymakers in making decisions.
The CBDC system could provide benefits that other payment technologies cannot provide. It would be free from credit and liquidity risks, and would be backed by the Federal Reserve. Furthermore, the CBDC would offer new financial opportunities for households and businesses and increase financial inclusion. However, it may also pose new risks to the larger economy and financial system.
CBDCs can improve the cross-border payment system. Currently, the process is expensive and slow, and CBDCs could improve this system. With the proper infrastructure, the CBDCs would help the region improve its cross-border payment system. They would also help fight crime, tax evasion, and corruption.
Resilience against natural disasters
Resilience against natural disasters is a key issue for Latin America. The region’s high population density and volatile climate make it especially vulnerable to these hazards. Five out of the ten most vulnerable countries in the world are located in the region. For example, many of the Caribbean islands experience recurring hurricanes, while coastal Central American countries are frequently hit by landslides and flooding. Resilience efforts in Latin America must also include efforts to improve agricultural productivity and watershed management.
Disasters can cause enormous economic losses for countries. They erode fiscal cushions and crowd out scarce resources for social spending. In addition, the effects of climate change will only intensify natural disasters. However, by developing resilient policies and practices, governments can reduce the impact of disasters and prepare for future shocks. In FY 2021, USAID/BHA provided $75 million to 30 partner organizations to help improve disaster preparedness in 17 countries in LAC. It also maintained a network of 29 disaster risk management specialists and 400 surge staff to help affected countries cope with natural hazards.
Developing housing policies that are both affordable and resilient is an important step in improving urban resilience in LAC. A recent report by the World Bank-GFDRR called for the inclusion of disaster risk management into slum upgrading policies. Building more resilient homes in LAC would also contribute to the global push to make housing affordable for all.
The World Bank’s report suggests the creation of an insurance fund as part of disaster risk management strategies in Latin American cities. The initiative is part of the Global Insurance Partnership for Resilience (InsuResilience), which supports municipal governments in protecting critical urban infrastructure against natural disasters. In addition, the report recommends implementing a framework to assess resilience. This will help policymakers assess risk mitigation options and ensure that policies are responsive to natural disasters.
Resilience against natural disasters in Latin American cities requires a strategic approach and new technologies. To address these challenges, cities will have to evaluate historical patterns and learn from other cities’ experience. These lessons, while not universal, can serve as references for future public risk management policies.
