BRICS Currency Ambitions Face Skepticism Despite 2026 Launch Timeline
Jim O’Neill, the economist who coined the term BRIC in 2001, has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a unified BRICS currency. His doubts contrast sharply with the bloc’s ambitious target to launch the currency by 2026. While the BRICS group’s economic weight continues to grow, internal divisions—particularly between China and India—pose significant challenges to political unity and currency implementation.
Recent developments suggest progress is being made on digital infrastructure to support the proposed currency. The July 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil reportedly advanced discussions, though no formal release plan was confirmed. The project’s success hinges on overcoming geopolitical friction and establishing a cohesive monetary framework.
