The global financial order is bracing for a technological shift, and a new report suggests that artificial intelligence might not disrupt the existing power structure—it could actually cement it. According to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), the rapid adoption of AI could inadvertently reinforce the dominance of the US dollar, a development that carries significant implications for emerging markets and the broader crypto ecosystem.

The AMRO Analysis: AI as a Dollar Anchor

The report, released on July 30, 2026, argues that the transformative potential of AI is likely to be concentrated in economies that already possess robust digital infrastructure and deep capital markets—conditions that overwhelmingly favor the United States. AMRO's researchers suggest that AI-driven productivity gains will disproportionately benefit the US economy, thereby solidifying the dollar's status as the world's primary reserve currency.

This dynamic is not merely about economic output. The report highlights that AI's ability to optimize financial systems, enhance trade settlement, and improve cross-border payment efficiency could further entrench the dollar-based infrastructure. For countries in the ASEAN+3 region, this means navigating a landscape where the greenback's influence may grow even as new technologies emerge.

Why the Dollar Wins in an AI-Driven World

The logic is rooted in network effects and data advantages. The US is home to the largest AI firms, the most extensive datasets, and the deepest liquidity pools. As AI lowers transaction costs and accelerates financial integration, these existing advantages become more pronounced. The report posits that AI could make dollar-denominated assets even more attractive, as machine learning algorithms increasingly favor the most liquid and stable markets for settlement and investment.

For the crypto industry, this presents a nuanced paradox. While blockchain technology was often touted as a hedge against fiat dominance, the AI boom could actually strengthen the traditional financial system's core currency. This could slow the adoption of non-dollar stablecoins and decentralized alternatives, at least in the near term.

Implications for ASEAN+3 Economies

The report's focus on the ASEAN+3 region—which includes China, Japan, South Korea, and the ten ASEAN member states—underscores the strategic stakes. These economies are heavily integrated into global trade and often hold significant dollar reserves. The AMRO analysis suggests that AI-driven dollar dominance could lead to tighter US monetary policy spillovers, affecting capital flows and exchange rates across the region.

However, the report does not paint a purely bleak picture. It notes that regional economies can harness AI to improve their own financial infrastructure, potentially creating more resilient systems that are less vulnerable to external shocks. The key lies in balancing technological adoption with prudent macroeconomic management.

What This Means for Crypto and Stablecoins

For digital asset enthusiasts, the AMRO report offers a critical cautionary tale. If AI reinforces the dollar's dominance, the demand for dollar-pegged stablecoins could remain robust, but the broader push for de-dollarization may lose momentum. This could affect projects that aim to create alternative reserve assets or cross-border payment systems that bypass the dollar.

  • Network effects: AI may amplify the advantages of existing dollar-based networks, making it harder for challengers to gain traction.
  • Regulatory clarity: A stronger dollar could prompt regulators to tighten oversight of crypto, viewing it as a threat to monetary sovereignty.
  • Investment flows: Capital may continue to flow into US tech and AI assets, leaving less room for speculative crypto investments.

Key Takeaways

The intersection of AI and global finance is complex, and AMRO's report adds a crucial data point to the ongoing debate about the future of money. While AI could indeed reinforce dollar dominance, the outcome is not predetermined. Policymakers in the ASEAN+3 region and beyond have agency in shaping how these technologies are deployed.

For crypto stakeholders, the report serves as a reminder that technological progress does not always favor decentralization. As AI continues to reshape the economic landscape, the crypto industry must adapt to a world where the dollar's gravitational pull may be stronger than ever. The coming years will test whether digital assets can carve out a meaningful niche in a system that AI is helping to consolidate.