BRICS News: Iranian Ambassador Urges BRICS to Develop a Banking System Free from Western Standards

• At BRICS, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, criticized existing Western financial standards for disproportionately benefiting Western nations while harming developing countries.
• As the BRICS nations convene in Kazan from October 22 to 24, discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation and financial independence.

Ahead of the 16th BRICS Summit, Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has called on BRICS member nations to build a financial and banking system free from Western influence. Speaking on October 22 in Dubai, Jalali highlighted the need for the BRICS bloc to create its own systems and regulations. He believes this will offer fairer opportunities for countries in the Global South.

Iranian Ambassador On BRICS Payment

Jalali emphasized that the existing Western financial standards disproportionately benefit Western nations while causing harm to developing countries. According to the ambassador, these standards are tailored to Western needs and have historically imposed unfair rules on other regions.

“We should not align ourselves with Western financial systems, as they cause significant damage to Global South nations,” Jalali stated, as reported by the Irna news agency. The ambassador urged BRICS countries to explore alternative financial mechanisms. He specifically mentioned focusing on banking cooperation and a new financial messaging system that could operate independently of Western models.

Moreover, the Iranian ambassador criticized current Western frameworks. He spotlighted areas of criticism such as financial regulations and counterterrorism measures, which he described as being built on biased standards. “The West has established rules in these areas based on its own interests, rather than considering the needs of other nations,” Jalali remarked.

The call for reform comes at a crucial time, as BRICS nations gather in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24 for their annual summit, reported CNF. With Russia holding the BRICS chairmanship for 2024, the summit will feature discussions to boost cooperation among member countries. Jalali’s remarks appear to be in line with underlined goals for the summit where financial independence and collaboration are key themes.

Will They Be Successful In Implementing Fair Standards?

Jalali also pointed out that BRICS has the potential to redefine global financial practices. He stressed that the group could implement fair standards that reflect the needs of both BRICS nations and other developing countries. “BRICS member states may create fair standards in this area for themselves and other countries interested in cooperation,” he noted.

BRICS, originally formed in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, welcomed South Africa in 2011. The bloc has continued to grow, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE officially joining as full members on January 1, 2024.

With growing calls for financial independence, the 16th BRICS Summit serves as a key platform for discussions on breaking away from Western-dominated systems. Moreover, the BRICS Pay system is reportedly mimicking Europe’s SWIFT, which makes it very efficient. Also, the bloc is using blockchain technology in its de-dollarization efforts, per the CNF report.