Digital Money and Remittances Costs in Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic
Digital Money and Remittances Costs in Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic

Author: Ms. Alina Carare

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-12-02

Total Pages: 29

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This paper investigates factors that predict variation in digital and non-digital remittance fees over time and across countries, exploring differences between CAPDR and other regions. The paper fills a void in the literature on how country- and corridor-specific factors relate to remittance fees at different levels of digitalization of the transaction mode. It also complements stylized facts and regression analysis with a survey analysis of the CAPDR authorities’ views on the latest developments, possibilities, and risks related to digital remittances with a view to gauging the authorities’ potential role in further reducing the cost of cross-border payments more generally and remittances fees in particular. The paper finds a clear trend of declining remittance fees across countries and at any level of digitalization, albeit they remain higher for CAPDR countries relative to non-CAPDR countries. More competition, financial and digital development in receiving countries—such as debit/credit card ownership or bank branch penetration—are associated with lower remittance fees, especially in CAPDR. The surveyed authorities actively explore the use of digital money to advance domestic payment systems, expedite financial inclusion, and lower remittances fees, yet see considerable risks, especially for preserving monetary sovereignty in CAPDR.

The Rise of Public and Private Digital Money
The Rise of Public and Private Digital Money

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-07-29

Total Pages: 33

ISBN-13: 1513592033

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Following the companion paper on the new policy challenges related to the adoption of digital forms of money, this paper presents an operational strategy for the IMF to continue delivering on its mandate of ensuring domestic and international financial and economic stability. The paper begins by summarizing the forces driving the adoption of digital forms of money, and the new policy questions that emerge. It then focusses on how the IMF’s core activities and output will need to evolve, including surveillance, capacity development, and analytical foundations. It ends by discusses how the IMF intends to partner with other organization, and to grow and structure internal resources to fulfill this vision.

The Rise and Impact of Fintech in Latin America
The Rise and Impact of Fintech in Latin America

Author: Mr. Bas B. Bakker

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-03-29

Total Pages: 61

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the past decade, fintech has shaken up the financial sector in Latin America providing innovations in lending, payments, insurance, and regulation and compliance. This paper examines this development by focusing on both fintech services and regulation. Exploring fintech’s macro-critical impact using country- and bank-level data, we find that booming financial technologies in Latin America have helped boost competition in the banking sector and inclusion. Additionally, we demonstrate that fintech firms in Latin America experienced robust growth even during the pandemic supported by external funding. Finally, we discuss how regulators are addressing the risks associated with financial technologies and how they are leveraging fintech tools in their supervisory activities.

Crypto Assets and CBDCs in Latin America and the Caribbean: Opportunities and Risks
Crypto Assets and CBDCs in Latin America and the Caribbean: Opportunities and Risks

Author: Maximiliano Appendino

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-02-17

Total Pages: 42

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

After providing a general overview of the nature, pros, and cons of crypto assets and CBDCs, this paper focuses on documenting their recent experience in LAC. The region records a high interest in unbacked crypto assets and stablecoins and its authorities’ policy responses have varied substantially, ranging from the introduction of Bitcoin as legal tender in El Salvador to their prohibition in many other countries worried about their impact on financial stability, currency/asset substitution, tax evasion, corruption, and money laundering. This paper also describes briefly the results of a survey on CBDCs’ introduction plans and crypto assets regulation. Finally, this paper presents some general lessons and policy recommendations for the region on the regulation of cypto assets, digital currencies and cross-border payments, and on the potential introduction of CBDCs.

Fintech Potential for Remittance Transfers: A Central America Perspective
Fintech Potential for Remittance Transfers: A Central America Perspective

Author: Julia Bersch

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-06-25

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13: 1513585428

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This paper analyzes the potential for fintech to facilitate cheaper and more efficient remittances, and to enhance financial inclusion in Central America. Digital remittances remain nascent in the region, primarily reflecting behavioral inertia, small cost advantages of digital over traditional channels, and inadequate financial literacy. Through expanded alliances between traditional and fintech operators, digital remittances can further reduce transaction costs and reach those remote, low-income households in a timely and secure manner. A meaningful expansion of fintech remittances necessitates an enabling regulatory environment for digital financial services, and KYC and AML/CFT requirements proportionate to the value of transfers.

Nicaragua
Nicaragua

Author: International Monetary Fund. Western Hemisphere Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2024-01-19

Total Pages: 113

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Nicaraguan economy remained resilient through multiple shocks over the past five years, supported by appropriate policies, substantial pre-crisis buffers (primarily government deposits), and multilaterals support. After a strong rebound in 2021, the economy continued to grow at a steady pace in 2022 and through June 2023 (3.8 percent). Inflation slowed down, the fiscal position turned into a surplus, and record-high remittances, sustained Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and prudent policies supported a continued accumulation of gross international reserves. Banks remain well capitalized, and the loan portfolio is steadily improving with the economic recovery.

Exploring Global FinTech Advancement and Applications
Exploring Global FinTech Advancement and Applications

Author: Taherdoost, Hamed

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2024-02-07

Total Pages: 407

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the world of FinTech, scholars face an overwhelming dilemma; it is challenging to access comprehensive and up-to-date information across various regions with regards to timeliness. The transformative power of FinTech, driven by innovations such as blockchain, AI analytics, and mobile payment systems, has reshaped financial transactions, influenced economic growth, and spurred competition among traditional financial institutions. However, the lack of a comprehensive, scholarly resource hinders the ability of academics, policymakers, and industry professionals to navigate and comprehend these intricate developments. The need for a centralized repository of knowledge has become increasingly urgent, hindering the collective understanding of the complex dynamics of FinTech on a global scale. Exploring Global FinTech Advancement and Applications stands as a groundbreaking solution to the academic community's pressing need for a comprehensive understanding of this global financial landscape. Through meticulous assessments of countries across each global region, each chapter delves into market size, FinTech adoption rates, services offered, key players, investments, infrastructure, government policies, economic impacts, security concerns, academic research synthesis, and future trends. By consolidating this wealth of information, the book becomes an indispensable reference guide for scholars, researchers, policymakers, investors, and industry professionals seeking to navigate the intricate dynamics of FinTech on a global scale.

Fintech and Financial Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean
Fintech and Financial Inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean

Author: Mr. Dmitry Gershenson

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-08-20

Total Pages: 77

ISBN-13: 1513592238

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Despite some improvement since 2011, Latin America and the Caribbean continue to lag behind other regions in terms of financial inclusion. There is no clear evidence that fintech developments have supported greater financial inclusion in LAC, contrary to what has been observed elsewhere in the world. Case studies by national policy experts suggest that barriers to entry in the financial sector, along with a constraining regulatory environment, may have hindered a faster adoption of fintech. However, fintech development seems to have accelerated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and with the support of recent policy initiatives.

Elements of Effective Policies for Crypto Assets
Elements of Effective Policies for Crypto Assets

Author: International Monetary Fund

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-02-23

Total Pages: 47

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This paper aims to address questions by Fund members on how to respond to the rise of crypto assets and the associated risks. To frame the discussion, the paper defines and classifies crypto assets based on their underlying features and describes their purported benefits and potential risks. The paper presents a policy framework for crypto assets that aims to achieve key policy objectives such as macroeconomic stability, financial stability, consumer protection, and market and financial integrity. The framework outlines key elements that are necessary to ensure that these objectives are met. However, such a framework will not fix any underlying crypto design flaws (for instance, the lack of a credible nominal anchor, payments finality, or scalability).