Danish Central Banker Tempted to Ignore Cryptocurrency — Sees Real Threat in ‘Big Tech Invading Currency Area’
Denmark’s central bank governor Lars Rohde says that he can be tempted to ignore cryptocurrency, stating that it is not a threat to the central bank at present. However, he pointed out that the real threat could come from big technology companies “invading the currency area or the transaction means.”
Denmark’s Central Bank Governor Tempted to Ignore Cryptocurrency
Danish central bank governor Lars Rohde discussed cryptocurrencies on Bloomberg from Copenhagen on Wednesday. He was asked whether the central bank sees the rise in cryptocurrency trading as a serious economic threat. The governor was specifically asked if the central bank is taking the matter seriously or whether it largely continues to ignore cryptocurrency.
Governor Rohde replied:
I could be tempted to ignore it. I think the term currency is badly used here. Most currencies are stores of value or means of transactions.
He added, “There is no stability and no guarantee from any side about the value of cryptocurrencies so it is a very speculative asset at best.”
The governor was further asked whether he thinks that central banks in general will take action to try to reduce the rivalry from cryptocurrency. He affirmed: “At present, no I don’t think that is an issue.”
Rohde proceeded to share what he believes is much more interesting. The governor opined:
What’s more interesting is big tech invading the currency area or the transaction means. That could be very very interesting and maybe also a real threat to the autonomy and the independence of central banks.
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Rohde has long been a bitcoin skeptic. In December 2017, he warned people to stay away from bitcoin, stating that “It is deadly.”
He noted at the time that cryptocurrency “is not a regulated market,” emphasizing that “It is not the responsibility of the authorities. It is the responsibility of the individual.” Rohde then told investors not to “come and complain to us if it goes wrong.” In addition, he said, “I see bitcoin as tulipmania, which is a bubble that is out of control.”
What do you think about the central banker’s comments on cryptocurrency? Let us know in the comments section below.