#CentralBanks
2 articles tagged #CentralBanks — curated RWA tokenization coverage.
IMF Warns Tokenized Finance Could Outrun Central Banks
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning that the rapid adoption of tokenized financial systems may outpace the ability of central banks to manage market crises. While tokenization offers benefits like reduced costs and faster settlement, the IMF argues that traditional two-day settlement windows currently act as essential shock absorbers during periods of market stress. By removing these buffers, tokenized systems introduce automated margin calls and algorithmic feedback loops that compress the time available for regulatory intervention. Tobias Adrian, the report's author, specifically identified stablecoins as a structural vulnerability, noting their susceptibility to run risks similar to money market funds. The report also highlights that tokenized lending remains limited due to blockchain pseudonymity, which complicates credit risk assessment. To mitigate these systemic risks, the IMF proposed a five-pillar policy roadmap emphasizing legal certainty, interoperability, and the adaptation of central bank tools for 24/7 markets. This warning arrives as major institutions like the NYSE, Nasdaq, and the DTCC continue to advance their own tokenized securities initiatives.
Gold Overtakes U.S. Treasuries as Top Central Bank Reserve Asset, Tokenization Seen as Next Frontier
Gold has surpassed U.S. Treasuries as the primary reserve asset for central banks, driven by global energy crises and geopolitical instability. Kurt Hemecker, CEO of Gold Token SA, argues that tokenization is the next structural evolution for the precious metals market. By converting physical bullion into digital tokens, gold can transition from a static reserve into a highly liquid financial instrument capable of 24/7 trading. This shift addresses the current limitation where physical gold is not classified as a High-Quality Liquid Asset under Basel III rules. Tokenization could enable institutions to mobilize gold holdings through digital swaps without the logistical burden of physical transport. However, widespread adoption faces significant hurdles, including the need for industry-wide standardization, robust legal frameworks, and verified custody protocols. Overcoming these challenges is essential for central banks and financial institutions to fully integrate digital gold into the modern global financial system.