Reimagining Money in the Age of Crypto and Central Bank Digital Currency

Letter from the Editor: The recent plunge in crypto assets has left investors numbed by losses and surely in doubt. But the future of money is undoubtedly digital

Crypto is More in Line with Asian Equities, Highlighting Need for Regulation

Crypto trading volume, and co-movement with equity markets, has surged in the region.

More African Central Banks Are Exploring Digital Currencies

Several sub-Saharan African central banks are exploring or in the pilot phase of a digital currency, following Nigeria’s October introduction of e-Naira. Nigeria was the second country after the Bahamas to roll out a CBDC.

Global Current Account Balances Widen Amid War and Pandemic

The war in Ukraine and resulting increase in commodity prices are expected to contribute to a further widening this year. The lingering pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are dealing a setback to the global economy. This is affecting trade, commodity prices, and financial flows, all of which are changing current account deficits and surpluses.

Capital Markets Regulation Is Stronger, but Some Gaps Still Must be Closed

Countries have made substantial progress toward implementing capital markets regulatory reform, but important gaps remain and new challenges have raised the bar. 

Dollar Dominance and the Rise of Nontraditional Reserve Currencies

The greenback’s share of global foreign-exchange reserves has extended a two-decade decline, but it’s still used more than all other currencies combined.

How to Close Gender Gaps and Grow the Global Economy

Capturing the dividends from women’s economic equity. Too many women are locked out of economic opportunities, which is not only unfair but also harms growth and resilience for all. 

Gender Budgeting Is More Widespread But Implementation Remains a Challenge

The pandemic has deepened long-standing gender gaps, with women continuing to bear the burden of unpaid work. By structuring spending and taxation in ways that advance gender equality—a process called gender budgeting—governments can help close the gap.

How Empowering Women Supports Economic Growth