CBDCs, stablecoins must ensure libertarian values — former CFTC chair

As an analyst with a background in finance and experience in regulatory compliance, I find J. Christian Giancarlo’s perspective on CBDCs and stablecoins as instruments upholding libertarian values to be insightful and thought-provoking. His comparison of the digital currency landscape to the early days of the internet is apt, highlighting the need for openness, privacy, and financial freedom in this new frontier.


The ex-chief of the US Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has made an heartfelt appeal for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and stablecoins to be designed with libertarian principles in mind.

During my tenure as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) from 2014 to 2019, I emphasized the importance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and stablecoins in preserving privacy and resistance to censorship. At the FT Live Crypto and Digital Assets Summit, I made this point clear in my keynote address.

CBDCs, stablecoins must ensure libertarian values — former CFTC chair

As an analyst, I’d put it this way: Three decades ago, during the inception of the internet, countries such as the United States, England, and other democratic powers played a pivotal role in shaping this global network into an “information superhighway” that mirrored the principles of openness and freedom characteristic of their societies.

“Giancarlo emphasized the importance of collaboration among free societies and individuals to ensure that the evolution of digital value systems upholds financial freedoms and economic liberties commensurate with human dignity in the future,” is one way to paraphrase this statement.

The ex-CFTC commissioner, currently heading the Digital Dollar Project, expressed concern over American leadership in this area. He criticized the regulatory stance towards cryptocurrencies as unfriendly.

“Let’s set standards for digital currencies, sovereign and non-sovereign CBDCs, and stablecoins that are worthy of human liberty, and people everywhere who aspire to liberty.”

Giancarlo expressed his viewpoint on the impact of the internet on finance. He believes that, much like it has disrupted other industries, technology is now transforming finance in significant ways.

“With information gathering, think Wikipedia. Retail shopping, think Amazon. Entertainment, think YouTube. Social networks, think Facebook and Twitter.”

As a crypto investor, I’ve witnessed firsthand how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology have revolutionized the way we transfer value. These innovations have brought about remarkable improvements in speed, efficiency, and automation, reducing costs dramatically. Furthermore, they’ve given rise to new business models that challenge traditional market structures and even displace intermediaries. This is an exciting time for those of us who believe in the transformative power of these technologies.

Previously serving as a commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, he raised doubts about the potential impact of a proposed “internet of value” on economic freedom and financial autonomy. Could this emerging network empower individuals or restrict liberties in a manner reminiscent of the second internet era characterized by tech giants such as Facebook and Google?

I’ve come across some intriguing data regarding the progression of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) globally and the increasing adoption of public stablecoins. In my research, as of the year 2024, a staggering 134 countries representing approximately 98% of the global GDP have expressed active interest in the issuance of CBDCs, compared to just over one-third (35%) of countries in 2020.

The use of stablecoins has witnessed significant growth, with over 11 trillion dollars worth of transactions being processed on-chain, nearly reaching Visa’s settlement volume. Additionally, the global market capitalization of stablecoins expanded from a modest $3 billion in 2019 to an impressive $138 billion by 2024.

Currently, the value of all Bitcoin in circulation exceeds that of the Swiss franc, placing it as the 13th largest global currency by market capitalization. As expressed by Giancarlo, the world’s financial landscape is evolving such that individuals will utilize a range of digital currencies simultaneously.

“The sometimes fashionable debate at conferences such as this between CBDCs and stablecoins and crypto is a complete and false choice. The global future is all of the above. Crypto, CBDCs, stablecoins and more.”

In simpler terms, the previous head of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission emphasized that respecting individual economic privacy and building censorship-resistant systems are essential features that benefit free societies and thriving economies.

As a researcher studying central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and stablecoins, I believe these digital financial instruments have the potential to empower individuals around the globe by embedding economic privacy into their fundamental structure. By doing so, CBDCs and stablecoins can become valuable tools for those seeking financial independence and inclusion, in line with essential human rights and civic principles.

“The public should be able to see for itself whether they’re being surveilled and whether they’re being manipulated”

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2024-05-08 17:37