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Cambodia’s Central Bank Embraces Stablecoins Amid Ongoing Skepticism Towards Bitcoin
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In a notable shift in cryptocurrency policy, Cambodia has permitted commercial banks to utilize certain backed stablecoins, advancing its digital finance landscape.
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This move comes amidst strict regulations as the country continues to uphold a ban on Bitcoin, reflecting a cautious approach towards digital currencies.
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Hong Vanak from the Royal Academy of Cambodia commented, “Though the benefits of cryptocurrencies to the economy are limited, enabling crypto services could generate significant revenue from transaction fees for financial institutions.”
Cambodia embraces stablecoins but maintains a Bitcoin ban, reflecting a cautious approach towards cryptocurrency regulation amidst concerns over organized crime.
Cambodia Friendly to Stablecoins?
Cambodia’s recent decision to allow commercial banks and payment institutions to use certain “Class 1” assets, particularly stablecoins backed by fiat currencies, marks a pivotal moment in its regulatory landscape. This development aims to bolster the nation’s blockchain ecosystem, albeit with substantial caveats regarding other cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin.
Regulatory Landscape and Growing Concerns
The acceptance of stablecoins has been welcomed by local financial experts, who perceive it as a critical step towards modernizing Cambodia’s financial system. However, the national sentiment towards cryptocurrencies remains largely skeptical. Hong Vanak noted the complexities involved in managing cryptocurrencies, stating that issues of taxation and tracking ownership complicate their integration into the national economy. Despite these hurdles, stablecoins could provide much-needed liquidity and increase transaction efficiency for banks.
Further complicating this landscape, the Cambodian government has intensified its scrutiny of international exchanges, blocking 16 major platforms recently. This action underscores the regulatory restraints still in place even as the acceptance of stablecoins signals potential growth in the digital finance sector.
