BRICS and Cryptocurrency: Exploring the Impact and Potential Challenges to Crypto

Boluwatife Akande 30 Jun 2023

BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. An alliance offering a diplomatic forum and development financing outside of the Western mainstream. But this didn't start recently; These countries, collectively known as BRICS, form an informal political and economic grouping. The term "BRICS" was coined in 2001 by Jim O'Neill, a Goldman Sachs British economist, to describe these emerging economies with the potential to become dominant players in the global economy.

The BRICS countries are characterized by their large populations, significant landmasses, and abundant natural resources. They also share certain features, such as rapid economic growth, increasing influence on regional and global affairs, and a desire for more excellent international representation.

While the agenda has been set for this 'new economy'. No sustainable development has been held for it, and this is due to the economic growth of the countries involved – Brazil, Russia, and South Africa having fallen short of growth expectations. While India has enjoyed a more robust performance, it hasn't kept pace with China. Instead, the BRICS alliance has slowly evolved into a primarily geopolitical coalition that aims to advance an agenda and approach to world affairs distinct from the Western-dominated G7.

Also, the sanctions on Russia have slowed the entire time frame, although the other BRICS nation has only supported them. Nothing has given them a more distinctive approach to upholding their support for Russia than the war with Ukraine. Funny enough, members like India and China have used Western-led boycotts of Russian energy to secure cheaper oil, gas, and other commodities for themselves.

If there's anything we have in the past two decades, it's not to look down on monetary policy; for example, cryptocurrency went full mainstream in less than a decade. So, that's the topic that concerns us, how does this new monetary policy and its assumption affect the cryptocurrency world?

THE IMPACT OF THE BRICS ON CRYPTOCURRENCY

The impact of BRICS on cryptocurrencies can be analyzed from:

Adoption and Regulation: The BRICS countries have varying stances on cryptocurrencies. China, for example, has taken a stricter regulatory approach, implementing bans on specific aspects of cryptocurrency trading and mining. On the other hand, countries like Brazil and India have shown more openness toward cryptocurrencies, exploring regulatory frameworks and fostering innovation in the blockchain space. The stance of each BRICS member can influence the level of adoption and regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies within their respective jurisdictions.
Market Size and Influence: The BRICS countries collectively represent a significant portion of the global population and economy. Their economic growth, technological advancements, and extensive consumer bases make them potentially influential cryptocurrency markets. Increased adoption of cryptocurrencies by BRICS nations could positively impact the overall cryptocurrency ecosystem, leading to increased transaction volumes, liquidity, and market development.
Digital Payment Systems: Some BRICS countries have actively promoted digital payment systems and financial inclusion. Cryptocurrencies, with their decentralized nature and potential for facilitating cross-border transactions, could align with the objectives of modernizing financial infrastructure and expanding access to financial services. Integrating cryptocurrencies into existing digital payment systems or developing new cryptocurrency-based payment solutions could enhance financial inclusion within BRICS countries.
International Cooperation and Standards: BRICS countries could collaborate on establishing common standards and regulations for cryptocurrencies. By coordinating their efforts, they may influence global discussions on cryptocurrency regulation and contribute to shaping the future of the cryptocurrency industry. Joint initiatives or agreements on issues such as anti-money laundering measures, consumer protection, and cybersecurity could impact how cryptocurrencies are perceived and regulated internationally.
Regulatory Environment: The regulatory landscape plays a crucial role in shaping the cryptocurrency market. Government policies and regulations regarding the legality, taxation, and oversight of cryptocurrencies can significantly impact their adoption and market dynamics. Regulatory clarity and supportive frameworks can provide a conducive environment for growth, while restrictive or uncertain regulations may hinder cryptocurrency development.
Market Volatility: Cryptocurrencies are known for their high volatility, with prices experiencing significant fluctuations. Market factors such as investor sentiment, market speculation, macroeconomic events, and regulatory announcements can contribute to price volatility. These price swings can impact investor confidence, trading volumes, and overall market sentiment.

Can the BRICS challenge the dollar?

While it seems like it's impossible, the BRICS countries, collectively or individually, have the potential to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar in the global financial system. Still, it would require significant efforts and cooperation among them. Here are some considerations:

Currency Internationalization: One way the BRICS countries could challenge the dollar is by promoting the internationalization of their own currencies, such as the Chinese yuan (Renminbi) or the Russian ruble. Increased use of their currencies for international trade, settlement, and investment can reduce the reliance on the U.S. dollar as the dominant global reserve currency.
Alternative Payment Systems: The BRICS countries could develop alternative payment systems that bypass traditional dollar-dominated channels. For example, they could establish regional payment systems or use digital currencies or blockchain-based platforms to facilitate cross-border transactions among themselves, reducing the need for dollar intermediation.
Financial Infrastructure: Enhancing economic infrastructure within BRICS countries can strengthen their financial systems and reduce dependence on external mechanisms dominated by the dollar. This includes establishing efficient and reliable payment systems, clearing and settlement mechanisms, and developing regional financial institutions.
Regional Economic Integration: Deeper economic integration among the BRICS countries can promote intra-BRICS trade and investment, reducing the need for dollar-denominated transactions. Initiatives like the BRICS New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement aim to enhance financial cooperation and provide financing alternatives to traditional institutions dominated by the West.
Diversification of Reserves: BRICS countries could diversify their foreign exchange reserves away from the U.S. dollar by increasing holdings of other currencies, commodities, or alternative assets. This can reduce the vulnerability to fluctuations in the dollar's value and enhance their economic resilience.

However, it's important to note that challenging the dollar's dominance is a complex and long-term process. The U.S. dollar has several advantages, including its wide acceptance, stability, and the depth of U.S. financial markets. Moreover, any significant challenges to the dollar's position would likely face resistance from established financial powers and could lead to economic and geopolitical tensions.

Additionally, the BRICS countries have their own unique economic and political considerations that may impact their ability and willingness to challenge the dollar collectively. Cooperation and coordination among the BRICS members would be essential for any significant challenge to the dollar's supremacy.

Overall, while the BRICS countries have the potential to diversify the global financial landscape and reduce the dollar's dominance, it is a complex and gradual process that would require sustained efforts, political will, and broader global acceptance of alternative currencies and financial mechanisms.

But for now, the U.S. dollar dominates the market, and this may be the perfect time to invest in it by buying USDT and other stablecoins from Busha and grow your crypto portfolio.