Could Citibank’s Tokens Replace Bitcoin and the US Dollar? R. Kiyosaki Sparks Debate

Published by

Qadir AK

September 26, 2023

Citibank’s recent announcement to utilize blockchain technology for institutional savings and introduce ‘Citibank tokens’ for 24/7 cross-border transactions is a monumental step forward. In a tweet, renowned investor and entrepreneur Robert Kiyosaki hinted that Citibank’s foray into blockchain could have far-reaching implications for Bitcoin and the US Dollar.

A Game-Changing Move

Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) announced on the 18th of September that they are piloting Citi Token Services, a new initiative designed to harness blockchain and innovative contract technologies. This development aims to deliver digital asset solutions that provide 24/7 programmable financial services for institutional clients.

Citi Token Services promises to offer cross-border payments, liquidity management, and automated trade finance solutions that integrate with Citi’s global network.

“Digital asset technologies have the potential to upgrade the regulated financial system by applying new technologies to existing legal instruments and well-established regulatory frameworks,” – Shahmir Khaliq, Global Head of Services at Citi.

Nonetheless, not everyone is sold on this idea. A crypto enthusiast expressed doubts, suggesting that Citibank’s new service wouldn’t sway them from using Bitcoin and other decentralized finance alternatives.

Digitizing Trade Finance

Citi also partnered with shipping giant Maersk and a canal authority to digitize solutions resembling bank guarantees and letters of credit in trade finance. The pilot program introduced instant, programmable transfers through smart contracts. The technology was also put to the test in a global cash management system facilitating instantaneous liquidity transfers between Citi branches.

Decentralization Vs. Centralization

While Kiyosaki’s tweet raised eyebrows, the broader discussion revolves around the age-old debate of centralization versus decentralization. Unlike public blockchains like Bitcoin, Citi’s blockchain is private and permissioned, entirely controlled by Citi, eliminating the need for clients to host a blockchain node.

It is perhaps too early to say “BYE BYE” to Bitcoin or the US Dollar. Citibank’s tokens may become essential to the financial landscape, but they are unlikely to replace these longstanding pillars entirely.

Qadir AK

Qadir Ak is the founder of Coinpedia. He has over a decade of experience writing about technology and has been covering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space since 2010. He has also interviewed a few prominent experts within the cryptocurrency space.