The International Monetary Fund (IMF) updated its global economic reporting standards to formally incorporate cryptocurrencies, acknowledging their growing role in cross-border transactions and financial systems. Published on March 20, 2025, the seventh edition of the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM7) introduces a framework for classifying digital assets like Bitcoin, stablecoins, and platform tokens such as Ethereum and Solana.
Under the new guidelines, the IMF categorizes cryptocurrencies based on their underlying structure. Bitcoin and similar decentralized assets without issuer liabilities are classified as “non-produced, non-financial assets,” recorded in capital accounts during cross-border transactions. Stablecoins backed by reserves or liabilities, such as USDC or Tether, are treated as financial instruments. Platform-native tokens like Ethereum may qualify as equity-like holdings when held across borders, reflecting ownership rights comparable to traditional equities. Staking rewards and crypto mining activities are classified as income streams, with yields resembling dividends depending on stakeholders’ intent and scale.
The revised standards aim to standardize how countries report crypto-related economic activity, addressing data gaps and enhancing transparency in macroeconomic monitoring. Authorities can now track crypto asset flows alongside traditional financial metrics, improving oversight of risks like tax evasion or capital flight. Nations with crypto-friendly regulations, such as El Salvador, will need to reconcile domestic policies with IMF reporting requirements, potentially affecting loan conditions or economic assessments.
Financial institutions and payment processors are expected to benefit from clearer guidelines, which reduce uncertainty for custody services and cross-border crypto transactions. The IMF reiterated its opposition to granting cryptocurrencies legal tender status but emphasized the need to integrate digital assets into global financial frameworks. The organization plans to collaborate with G20 nations to ensure consistent implementation of BPM7 by 2029-2030, with progress reviews scheduled for 2025.
Sources:
IMF’s Updated Guidelines Mark a Pragmatic Acknowledgment of Crypto’s Permanence
https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/03-23-2025-imf-releases-new-guidelines-for-classifying-digital-assets-21915761620026
https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2025/03/237648-imf-updates-global-economic-standards-to-include-digital-assets-like-bitcoin/
https://www.ainvest.com/news/imf-updates-framework-include-bitcoin-ethereum-2503
IMF updates global standards to include crypto in balance of payments
