IMF Chief Lagarde: Global Cryptocurrency Regulation Is 'Inevitable'

Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, has stated that international regulatory action on cryptocurrencies is "inevitable."

Lagarde, who is the managing director of the international organization that aims to foster global financial stability, said that the IMF's concerns over cryptocurrencies stem largely from their potential use in illicit financial activities.

In an interview with CNNMoney on Feb. 11, she said:

"We are actively engaging in anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. And that reinforces our determination to work on those two directions."

Lagarde further explained that the regulatory direction should be activity-based, focusing on "who is doing what, and whether they're properly licensed and supervised."

While the new comments are largely in line with Lagarde's already public views on cryptocurrency, it indicates the IMF may be moving to be more actively involved in preventing the illicit use of cryptocurrency.

On multiple occasions, Lagarde has previously cautioned that cryptocurrencies should be taken seriously and called for global cooperation among worldwide regulators. And she is not alone in voicing concerns over use of cryptocurrency in cross-border financial crimes.

According to an earlier report by CoinDesk, during the Davos World Economic Forum in late January, several worldwide leaders shared the same sentiment, including the U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, French President Emmanuel Macron and the secretary of the U.S. Treasury Department Steven Mnuchin.

And, just last week, senior officials from France and Germany called for the G20 group of nations to discuss cooperative action on cryptocurrencies ahead of a summit next month.

Christine Lagarde image via Shutterstock