IMF Links Dollar Stablecoins to Monetary Control Risks in Emerging Markets

The International Monetary Fund published a 56-page departmental paper on December 2, 2025, warning that foreign-currency stablecoins can accelerate currency substitution in economies with weak institutions. Approximately 97% of the $300+ billion stablecoin market references the U.S. dollar, with concentration in USDT and USDC issuance. The fund recommends harmonized legal definitions, strict reserve standards, and cross-border supervisory coordination to prevent jurisdictional arbitrage.