The International Monetary Fund (IMF) introduced a major update to its global balance of payments framework, formally incorporating Bitcoin and digital assets into its economic reporting standards. Released on March 20 as part of the Balance of Payments Manual (BPM7), the revision establishes new classifications for cryptocurrencies, marking a significant shift in how international financial institutions track cross-border crypto transactions.
Under the updated guidelines, the IMF categorizes digital assets as non-produced non-financial assets, dividing them into fungible and non-fungible tokens. Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies without associated liabilities now fall under capital accounts. Cross-border transactions involving these assets will appear as acquisitions or disposals of non-produced assets. Stablecoins, such as those backed by fiat reserves or other liabilities, receive classification as financial instruments, aligning them with traditional financial assets in economic reports.
The framework also addresses tokens like Ethereum and Solana, suggesting some could function as equity-like assets if held internationally. Investors holding tokens issued by entities in other countries may see these positions recorded as “equity crypto assets,” mirroring foreign stock investments. The IMF explicitly recognized staking and yield-generation activities, stating that unsold staking rewards might be treated comparably to dividends, depending on the holder’s intentions and portfolio size.
The move reflects the growing influence of cryptocurrencies in global finance, with the IMF aiming to standardize reporting for improved consistency across member nations. By creating distinct categories for different crypto asset types, the manual provides clearer accounting rules for central banks and statistical agencies tracking cross-border capital flows. Analysts highlight this as a foundational step toward broader institutional recognition of digital assets, though challenges around valuation and regulatory alignment remain unresolved.
Sources:
https://followin.io/en/feed/16982304
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Announces Surprise Change Concerning Bitcoin and Altcoins
https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2173725
