5 February 2024
In a significant move towards de-dollarization, 20 nations have joined the Russian Payment System as part of the BRICS alliance’s efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar. This step aligns with the BRICS group’s broader strategy to challenge Western financial dominance. Russia’s System for Transmitting Financial Messages (SPFS), serving as an alternative to the SWIFT system, has garnered over 159 foreign participants, indicating a growing interest in diversifying away from traditional, dollar-centric financial systems. This development was highlighted in a recent announcement by Russia’s Central Bank Governor, Elvira Nabiullina, emphasizing the BRICS’ commitment to establishing a more independent global financial infrastructure.