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Theatre of the future of finance

The Theatre of the Future of Finance

In this reflective piece, Bharath Chari shares his personal musings on the widening gap between the blockchain industry narratives about the 'future of finance' and the realities of financial systems. Drawing from the perspective of someone who deeply cares about the transformative aspects of financial technology, he observes how spectacle and sponsorship have overtaken substance, and how genuine progress now depends on quiet, disciplined work rather than staged performances.

Inclusive Financing

Inclusive Financing as a Pillar of Global Stability

Financing initiatives of national and international importance has traditionally been constrained by high costs, inefficiencies and limited reach. Small contributions have often been impractical, and diaspora engagement has faced barriers. Recent advances in low-cost, energy-efficient blockchains and stable digital currencies provide new ways to mobilise resources inclusively and transparently. Contributions are reframed as investments in stability, with long-term benefits for both local communities and global systems.

Monetary Sovereignty

Preserving Monetary Sovereignty in Emerging Economies in the Age of Stablecoins

As digital finance grows across emerging economies, stablecoins have emerged as both an opportunity and a challenge. This note touches upon the implications of stablecoin-based savings and payment infrastructure in countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, Argentina, the Philippines, and Indonesia with a focus on monetary sovereignty, institutional trust, and equitable development. Drawing on examples from remittance corridors and local financial innovation, including Ethiopia’s use of blockchain for ETB settlement, we argue for a model of digital financial inclusion that reinforces, rather than bypasses, national currencies.