March 17, 2025
By Anjali Kochhar
As the current BRICS president, Brazil is making cryptocurrency a key focus in its efforts to modernise international trade. The South American nation plans to introduce blockchain-based payment solutions within the bloc, aiming to streamline cross-border transactions and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Brazil’s proposal emphasises the integration of digital assets for international settlements among BRICS members. Instead of reviving discussions about a common currency backed by gold, the focus has shifted toward digital national currencies and stablecoins. These assets are already used informally in cross-border payments, but Brazil seeks to establish a formalised system for their use.
One potential model under consideration is a system similar to Pix, Brazil’s instant payment platform.
This could enable transactions across different fiat currencies while leveraging blockchain technology. However, experts have raised concerns about regulatory challenges and sovereignty issues, as each BRICS nation operates under different financial regulations.
Russia has confirmed that BRICS is taking this initiative seriously. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been leading discussions on a transborder payment framework. This includes plans for a BRICS Clear settlement system, a reinsurance company, and a depository infrastructure to facilitate digital transactions among member nations.
The shift toward crypto-driven trade settlements reflects a broader trend among BRICS countries to find alternatives to Western-controlled financial systems. Sanctions against Russia, for instance, have pushed Moscow to explore alternative payment methods, including stablecoins and digital currencies. By formalising such systems, BRICS aims to create a more independent financial ecosystem that isn’t dominated by the dollar or reliant on SWIFT.
However, the move could face resistance from global financial powers. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has previously warned that if BRICS moved away from the dollar, the U.S. could impose heavy tariffs on member nations. Despite such challenges, Brazil’s push for crypto-based trade settlements signals a shift in global economic strategies, as developing nations look for financial systems that offer more autonomy and efficiency.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
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