World Bank chief compares cryptocurrencies to 'Ponzi schemes'

Crypto-asset prices down in 2018

Tom Eckett
clock • 2 min read

Jim Yong Kim, head of the World Bank, has become the latest financial voice to question the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin by comparing them to "Ponzi schemes".

Kim noted the World Bank was "looking really carefully" at blockchain technology as there was a hope it could be used in developing countries to "follow the money more effectively" and reduce corruption, according to Bloomberg. "In terms of using Bitcoin or some of the cryptocurrencies, we are also looking at it, but I am told the vast majority of cryptocurrencies are basically Ponzi schemes," Kim said. "It is still not really clear how it is going to work." Bitcoin's meteoric rise last year has come to somewhat of a halt in 2018 with the cryptocurrency losing $44.2bn of its $200bn ma...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Alternative Investments

Ian Aylward: It pays to be choosey when picking alternatives

Ian Aylward: It pays to be choosey when picking alternatives

'If it can't be explained to your clients, it should likely be left out of your portfolio'

Ian Aylward
clock 14 August 2026 • 3 min read
Semi-liquid funds boosting private markets for IFAs and wealth managers

Semi-liquid funds boosting private markets for IFAs and wealth managers

40% use semi-liquid funds to gain access

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 15 July 2026 • 1 min read
FCA's Pritchard urges tighter private markets oversight to improve investor confidence

FCA's Pritchard urges tighter private markets oversight to improve investor confidence

Regulators and investment managers must get 'basics' right

Linus Uhlig
clock 12 May 2026 • 2 min read