Technology / Fintech

Hilary Allen on the Superficial Allure of Crypto

HILARY J. ALLEN

October 20, 2022

Hilary Allen says cryptocurrencies pose grave risks. (photo courtesy Hilary Allen)
HILARY J. ALLEN - Hilary Allen on the Superficial Allure of Crypto
75
In This Episode
Cryptocurrencies have grabbed news headlines with their dramatic highs and lows, and their proponents argue they could revolutionize the financial system, making it faster and fairer. But is the cryptocurrency craze dragging us all into dangerous waters? Hilary Allen is a professor of law at American University and studies the impact of new financial technologies on financial stability. Allen is also the author of The Superficial Allure of Crypto published in the September edition of Finance and Development. In this podcast, Allen sits down with journalist Rhoda Metcalfe to discuss the risks associated with cryptocurrencies and why she thinks that they simply cannot deliver their claimed benefits. Transcript

HILARY ALLEN is a professor at American University’s Washington College of Law. Her research focuses on the impact of new financial technologies on financial stability.

Join Us on Every Major Platform

BEHIND THE MIC

Bruce Edwards

International Monetary Fund

Bruce Edwards produces the IMF podcast program. He's an award-winning audio producer and journalist who's covered armed conflicts, social unrest, and natural disasters from all corners of the world. He believes economists have an important role in solving the world's problems and aspires to showcase their research in every IMF podcast.

Rhoda Metcalfe

RHODA METCALFE is an independent journalist and audio producer.

About IMF Podcasts

IMF Podcasts are the views of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff and external officials on pressing economic and policy issues of the day. The IMF, based in Washington D.C., is an organization of 191 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation and financial stability around the world. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF and its Executive Board.

© 2025 INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED