In its latest Balance of Payments Manual, Seventh Edition (BPM7), which came out on 20th March 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) took a big step forward by accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The important new update includes digital assets in global economic data for the first time. This gives us much-needed information on how cryptocurrencies work within the world’s financial systems. As digital currencies continue to change how the world’s money works, the IMF’s move is a sign that they are becoming more important to the economy.
New digital asset classification framework
Under the new BPM7 guidelines, the IMF divides digital assets into fungible assets and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). They are also further separated by whether they have matching liabilities. This classification helps make it easier to keep track of cryptocurrencies in the balance of payments and other economic statistics.
Bitcoin as Investment
One of the most interesting things about the new system is that it treats Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies without debt as capital assets. Central banks back fiat currencies, but Bitcoin works independently and has no base liabilities. According to the IMF, these assets are not used for production and are not financial instruments. They are listed separately in the capital account instead of being treated as financial instruments.
Financial instruments, stablecoins
Compared to Bitcoin, stablecoins backed by assets and liabilities that match them are financial instruments. Due to their fixed value and reserves, they are considered financial assets, which makes them different from completely decentralized cryptocurrencies.
One step toward integrating crypto around the world
The IMF’s move to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in its global statistical standards shows how important they are becoming to the world economy. The update makes it clear how digital assets should be recorded and categorized. This makes it easier for cryptocurrencies to be used, regulated and accepted in the global financial system.
Conclusion
When the IMF added Bitcoin and other digital assets to its statistics on the world economy, it was a big deal for the cryptocurrency business. By setting up a clear system for classification, the IMF improves the digital economy’s openness, regulatory clarity, and financial stability.
