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Mark Carney of BoE jumps back on the bandwagon of digital currencies but keeps risks at bay

Mark Carney, the governor of the United Kingdom’s central bank (Bank of England) made his remarks on a recent panel in Stockholm on the future of central banking where he stated that he is constructive and liberal to the idea of a central-bank-issued digital currency.

Can this be interpreted as a sign that the governor is re-considering his formerly made anti-crypto standpoints?

The UK Central Bank Guv admitted keenness to the stance that he was quick to point out that a central-bank-issued digital currency was not yet on the horizon. He added that cryptocurrencies do not perform the role of money. While not exactly ringing endorsement, it is nonetheless a far cry from his previous dismissal of Bitcoin as a failed currency and store of value, according to a report from Bloomberg.

Carney said that, in order to keep money safe, the BOE has overhauled the financial system since the crisis, making it more resilient to shocks such as cliff-edge Brexit.

A couple of Carney’s statement seems to be constructive indications of a softer position on digital currencies following some strict and often conflicting statements he has made about digital currencies in the past. However, he has quite often held up the straw man argument of the “huge amount” of illicit activity run through cryptocurrencies as a warning while simultaneously admitting that they do not pose a threat.

So just how “open” is the BOE to a central-bank-issued crypto?

Carney said that a central bank currency is “not imminent” which is a significant disclaimer that ties in with the position that the Bank of England took earlier this year when it dismissed reports that it could be issuing its own cryptocurrency.

It is quite viable to predict an open stance on digital currencies from England. The UK’s Department of finance disclosed a task force that is evaluating the potential risks and benefits of cryptocurrencies. The country also has a financial technology strategy that involves a collaboration with Australia in drafting policies and regulation on digital currencies and blockchain technology.

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