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IMF warns that stablecoins may exacerbate capital outflows from emerging markets, experts say: The current size is not enough to cause systemic risks
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) pointed out in its latest "Understanding Stablecoins" report that stablecoins pegged to the US dollar may cause currency substitution and capital outflow risks in vulnerable emerging markets, weakening local currency stability. However, several experts say that the current stablecoin market size is still not enough to have a significant impact on the global macroeconomy.
The report highlights that stablecoins may bypass traditional financial intermediaries, thereby circumventing capital flow management measures (CFMs), making it easier for funds to move across borders during periods of market panic and accelerating currency depreciation. The combined market value of mainstream stablecoins such as USDT and USDC has reached $264 billion, which is close to France's foreign exchange reserves and surpasses that of many countries such as the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. However, these "dollar equivalents" are more used in cryptocurrency trading than in real-world money management or circumventing regulations.