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G7 To Regulate Digital Currencies

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G7 finance ministers and central bankers have expressed the need to control and regulate digital currencies during a virtual meeting of officials held on Monday. Olaf Scholz German Finance Minister expressed his concerns about authorizing the launch of Facebook's Libra cryptocurrency, newly renamed Diem in Germany and Europe.

According to Olaf Scholz, "A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf. It is clear to me that Germany and Europe cannot and will not accept its entry into the market while the regulatory risks are not adequately addressed. We must do everything possible to make sure the currency monopoly remains in the hands of states."

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin hosted the 12th meeting of the G7 finance officials this year related to the COVID-19 pandemic as Washington prepares to hand over the presidency of the G7 to Britain next month. The G7 finance officials discussed ongoing responses to "the evolving landscape of crypto assets and other digital assets and national authorities’ work to prevent their use for malign purposes and illicit activities," the Treasury said. "There is strong support across the G7 on the need to regulate digital currencies," the statement said.

The G7 officials reiterated their support for a G7 joint statement on digital payment in October, which said digital payments could improve access to financial services and cut inefficiencies and costs but should be "appropriately supervised and regulated."

Stablecoins are tied to a traditional currency or basket of assets and used for payments or for storing value. Facebook announced plans in June to launch its digital currency but regulators around the world fear it could destabilize the global financial system.

G7 finance officials also discussed domestic and international economic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies to achieve a robust global recovery, the statement said.

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