Will Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Adoption Displace the Banking Sector?
On July 26, the Central African Republic (CAR) froze the implementation of its law designating Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, as an official tender alongside its domestic currency, the Central African CFA franc, pending the publication of rules for cryptocurrencies by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) for the entire Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). However, there was more to this currency drama.
The CAR’s presidency declared that the currency would be legalized on April 27. The BEAC, which handles the Central African CFA Franc used by six nations—Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea—reacted negatively to the decision.
BEAC responded by releasing a statement calling the action “null and void” and a violation of the principles of the regional bloc. According to the statement, the Bitcoin law shows CAR intends to establish a currency competing with or seeking to replace the Central Africa Central Bank and the Franc CFA. The Central African Economic and Monetary Community, the regional economic union, was not consulted before the CAR’s decision, which the IMF protested (CEMAC).
The IMF stated that they are aiding the area and the CAR’s authorities in addressing the issues raised by the new law. The adoption “raises serious legal, transparency, and economic policy hurdles,” the IMF added.
Are cryptocurrency and Blockchain on the verge of displacing established banking and financial systems? Are they already constituting a serious danger to global central banks?
Short Answers
No. Cryptocurrency Can’t Displace Banks
Blockchain is not merely a fresh spin on an old game, as is the case with fintech. It’s a technology that will define a generation and change not only banking but also contracts, internet trust, and the concept of ownership. For this transition to become effective, regulators are very necessary. Even the most prominent proponents of bitcoin argue in favor of regulating the market because they understand that cryptocurrencies can only become accepted through regulation.
Having the appropriate regulatory restraints is essential to constructing that bridge if we truly want the benefits of decentralized finance to benefit our populations. For most African countries, Blockchain is still seen as a threat to the Central banks, and most policies have been detrimental to Blockchain adoption.
Banking and governments hold the most power in the world. It may be naive to think that they will stand by as crypto and Blockchain replace them.
Despite the true power of the Blockchain, there is still a reputation issue with cryptocurrencies. Older generations are less likely to adopt cryptocurrencies and more likely to trust well-known banking institutions.
Yes. Cryptocurrency is the Ideal Replacement
An answer to the question of whether decentralized finance might displace banking and conventional finance is an unequivocal yes. In all of its functions as a store of wealth, a medium of trade, and a unit of account, cryptocurrency can quickly replace money. Furthermore, decentralized Blockchain-based systems can take the place of banks by offering smart contracts, faster transactions, and higher levels of security at cheaper costs. With DeFi, we already have the ability to lend or borrow money, generate money for initiatives, and make payments. And it’s only just beginning.
Due to the incredible gains, which may occasionally approach hundreds of percent ROI, many ardent investors have started to rush to crypto and DeFi. Additionally, there is a group of long-term investors who see the unchanging worth of currencies like Ethereum.
What’s your take on this one? Bitcoin will demolish the banks, according to crypto enthusiasts. The crypto-frenzy, according to banks, is the newest bubble that is about to pop. Who is right?