– Cryptocurrency uptake continued to grow exponentially in 2021 – Emerging nations led the world in terms of crypto adoption – The new incarnation of blockchain-based currencies is driving uptake – Adoption is set to expand despite ecological and economicconcerns Emerging markets were at the forefront of last year’s massive growth in global cryptocurrency adoption. With this…
Despite the adoption of new technologies across a variety of industries prior to the pandemic, studies pointed to Trinidad and Tobago's dependence on cash as a significant factor limiting potential economic growth. In light of the fiscal pressures and economic slowdown caused by the pandemic, the government and the private sector have responded with robust monetary and fiscal measures and have introduced…
– The value of Bitcoin increased by more than 300% in 2020 – The move away from cash and towards digital payments has driven the trend – Cryptocurrencies offer a range of potential benefits to emerging economies – China is trialling a national digital currency, with India to follow suit Demand for Bitcoin has been surging globally since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, with…
The rolethat many sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in national economic policy has changed dramatically as a result of thepandemic, giving rise to questions about their future. The IMF predicts that the global economy will contract by 4.9% this year, down from growth of 2.9% in 2019, while the World Bank has forecast a fall of 5.2%, the worst contraction since the Second World War. With…
The use of sophisticated algorithms in wealth management is leading to improved efficiency and transparency in the financial services sector, benefitting both providers and clients. In particular, so-called robo-advisers are disrupting the industry and helping to boost financial inclusion. Primarily concentrated in developed markets such as the US and the UK, the technology is starting to make inroads…
En Español Peru has responded quickly and effectively to Covid-19. It was the first country in the region to impose a quarantine, onMarch 15, followed by a curfew onMarch 18. Both have been extended and are set to stay in place until at least April 12, although they seemlikely to be prolonged further. Other measures taken so far include a ban on inbound and outbound international…
Fiscal policy was at the top of the agenda at the IMF Annual Meeting held in Washington, DC in October 2019, which was attended by finance ministers, central bank governors and private sector executives from around the world. The event provided an opportunity for member countries to issue statements outlining their opinions on the global economic landscape, which are of considerable interest to the…
Click here to download the full Guyana Economic Analysis 2020 report The South American country of Guyana has experienced subdued economic growth since its independence from the UK in 1966, mainly relying on mineral and agricultural exports. However, the discovery and subsequent production of oil is likely to radically change Guyana in the decade to 2030. Geography & Climate Guyana is home to…
The twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is located in the southern end of the Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. Its rich and varied heritage lends itself to a vibrant society and cuisine derived from an array of ethnicities and religions. On the back of elevated global oil prices, T&T has gone through a period of rapid economic expansion in recent decades, resulting in higher leve
The financial services industry in Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most developed in the Caribbean; however, the country still falls behind other emerging markets in its approach to online banking and digital payments. In 2020 customers continue to contact their banks by telephone to perform routine services, such as balance inquiries. As such, there is vast scope for digital reform and an opportunity…
