Mar 10 • 16:08 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina Clarin (ES)

Dollars from the 'mattress': Argentina is the second country in the world with the most foreign currency outside the system, according to the BCRA

Argentina holds an estimated $250 billion outside its financial system, ranking second globally, just behind Russia.

The Argentine government estimates that citizens have saved around $250 billion outside the local financial system, which amounts to approximately 40% of the country's total economy. This puts Argentina in the second position globally for off-system currency holdings, trailing only Russia. This significant amount has raised concerns and interest among government officials, particularly as these funds are sought to be incorporated back into the local economy.

Vladimir Werning, the vice president of the Central Bank, presented this data to investors, emphasizing how crucial it is for these dollars to be repatriated into the system. He indicates that part of the government's strategy includes encouraging 'greater private savings,' which would ideally serve as financing for local investments. This initiative reflects an ongoing effort by the government to formalize and repatriate capital held by residents in foreign accounts or cash.

In his presentation at an event organized by Inviu, Werning elaborated on various measures being implemented to incentivize the incorporation of these foreign currencies back into the financial structure. The implications of these policies could potentially enhance liquidity within the Argentine economy and stabilize the national currency, which has been facing significant volatility. The long-term success of these efforts will depend on building trust within the financial system and convincing citizens that depositing their money in local banks can be a safe and beneficial option.

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