Money-Like Instruments

Definition ∞ Money-like instruments are assets or digital tokens that exhibit characteristics similar to traditional money, such as serving as a medium of exchange, a store of value, or a unit of account. This category often includes stablecoins, central bank digital currencies, and certain e-money tokens. Regulators pay close attention to these instruments due to their potential impact on financial stability and monetary policy. Their classification is a key regulatory concern.
Context ∞ The classification and regulation of money-like instruments are consistently headline news, especially with the global rise of stablecoins and central bank digital currency research. Governments and central banks actively discuss how to integrate these digital assets into existing financial systems while mitigating risks. The ongoing policy discussions aim to establish clear legal and operational frameworks for these evolving forms of digital value.