Visual representations of various cryptocurrencies on display in Paris, France. Photo: Getty Images
Opinion
Opinion
Alessandro Arduino
Stablecoins in Southeast Asia: the less volatile cryptocurrency is a boon for terrorist groups
Despite the appeal of anonymity and ease of international fund transfers, large swings in value have made cryptocurrency unattractive to extremist and criminal networks
But stablecoins, which have a value fixed against a certain asset, offer these groups an advantage – as does the widespread adoption of digital payments in Southeast Asia
Dr Alessandro Arduino is principal research fellow at the Middle East Institute at the National University of Singapore, specialising in the roles played by private military contractors and technology in modern warfare.