IMF Updates SNA Framework to Include Crypto and AI Rules

Major Economic Accounting Revolution Underway

The International Monetary Fund has announced significant updates to the System of National Accounts that will include comprehensive rules for tracking crypto assets like Bitcoin and defining artificial intelligence. This landmark decision represents a fundamental shift in how global economies measure and account for digital assets.

What is the System of National Accounts

The System of National Accounts is the internationally agreed standard set of recommendations on how to compile measures of economic activity. The 2025 SNA is the sixth version of the framework, with the first published more than seventy years ago, and retains the basic theoretical framework of the 2008 SNA.

Crypto Assets Classification Under New SNA

The new System of National Accounts, approved by the United Nations Statistical Commission and coordinated by the IMF and other global institutions, classifies eligible crypto assets as "non-produced nonfinancial assets". However, these assets remain excluded from GDP calculations.

Bitcoin and Digital Assets Recognition

This global shift aims to modernize how countries capture digital-era value. The framework acknowledges that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin hold real economic value and should be properly tracked within national wealth assessments.

AI Integration in Economic Measurement

The updated System of National Accounts introduces frameworks for tracking cloud infrastructure, AI tools, and platform-based services—areas that traditional metrics have long failed to address. This inclusion represents recognition of artificial intelligence's growing economic significance.

Digital Services and Cloud Platforms

The new framework will better measure digital services, cloud platforms, and intangible assets. This comprehensive approach ensures that modern digital economy components receive proper accounting treatment.

Impact on Government Decision Making

The update helps governments get clearer data to make smarter economic decisions. With accurate measurement of digital assets and AI services, policymakers can develop more informed strategies for economic growth and regulation.

Enhanced Economic Data Quality

The updated System of National Accounts better captures digitalization, intangible assets, and global production—helping governments support growth, jobs, and investment. This improved data quality enables more precise economic planning and policy implementation.

International Collaboration Behind SNA Updates

The International Monetary Fund, United Nations, World Bank, European Commission, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development worked together to develop these comprehensive updates. This collaborative approach ensures global consistency in economic measurement standards.

Implementation Timeline and Adoption

The 2025 System of National Accounts was adopted by the United Nations Statistical Commission during the 56th session in March 2025. Countries worldwide are now working toward implementing these new standards in their national accounting systems.

Training and Support Programs

Various organizations are facilitating introductory webinars on the 2025 System of National Accounts for different regions, ensuring proper implementation and understanding of the new frameworks.

Implications for Financial Markets

The inclusion of crypto assets and AI measurement frameworks signals institutional recognition of digital economy components. This development may influence how financial markets value and trade digital assets, as government recognition often precedes broader institutional adoption.

Regulatory Considerations

While the SNA updates focus on measurement rather than regulation, they provide foundation for future regulatory frameworks. Countries can now develop more comprehensive policies based on accurate economic data about digital assets and AI services.

Looking Forward: Digital Economy Integration

The 2025 SNA represents a crucial step toward comprehensive digital economy integration in national accounting. As cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, and digital services continue expanding, accurate measurement becomes essential for economic stability and growth.

Future Developments

These accounting standard updates lay groundwork for continued evolution in economic measurement. As new technologies emerge, the SNA framework can adapt to ensure comprehensive coverage of economic activity in the digital age.

Conclusion

The IMF's decision to include crypto and AI rules in the new System of National Accounts marks a significant milestone in economic measurement evolution. By recognizing digital assets and artificial intelligence as measurable economic components, governments worldwide gain tools for better understanding and managing modern economies. This development signals broader institutional acceptance of digital economy elements and provides foundation for informed policy making in the digital age.

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