Argentine Central Bank Director Supports Central Bank Digital Currency as Solution for Economy
The Director of the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA), Agustín D’Attellis, has publicly expressed his support for the central bank digital currency (CBDC) proposed by Minister of Economy Sergio Massa. D’Attellis believes that the “digital peso” (PAD) could help stabilize the Argentine economy by 2024. One key advantage of the CBDC, according to D’Attellis, is its traceability, which would enable the government to expand the tax base without raising taxes or even lowering them.
Addressing Monetary Issues and Competing with the US Dollar
The introduction of the PAD would also address Argentina’s monetary problem, as the unstable local currency, the peso, often competes with the US dollar as a payment method. D’Attellis emphasized that the CBDC would be gradually introduced alongside cash and that the replacement of paper bills would occur at a later stage.
Sergio Massa’s Commitment to CBDC
In line with D’Attellis’ support for a CBDC, Sergio Massa, acting Minister of Economy and presidential candidate, has pledged to launch a CBDC if elected. Massa aims to use the CBDC to solve Argentina’s persistent inflation crisis. However, he faces competition from Javier Milei, an anti-central bank candidate who advocates for adopting the US dollar as Argentina’s currency.
Hot Take: The Promise and Challenges of a Digital Peso
The endorsement from BCRA Director Agustín D’Attellis highlights the potential benefits of a central bank digital currency for Argentina’s economy. By leveraging traceability and expanding the tax base, a digital peso could provide stability and potentially alleviate the inflation crisis. However, the introduction of a CBDC also poses challenges, such as ensuring widespread adoption and addressing concerns about privacy and security. As the political landscape evolves, Argentina faces a crucial decision between embracing a digital future or adopting alternative solutions like dollarization.
By
By
By
By
By