Russia’s Mir payment system has been gaining momentum in recent years, and it looks like it may be finding a new home in Mexico. According to the Mexican ambassador to Russia, his country is open to talks about rolling out Mir payment system cards in Mexico.
Rolling out Mir payment system cards in Mexico
Mir cards are Russia’s own payment system, launched in 2015 to reduce dependence on Western payment systems such as Visa and Mastercard. Since then, the payment system has been expanding its reach, with Belarus and Kazakhstan being the first to adopt it back in 2018. Now, it’s working in about ten countries, and more than fifteen others are ready to get in on the action.
One of the benefits of the Mir payment system is that it is designed to work in areas where other payment systems may not be available or may not be reliable. This is particularly relevant in countries with limited financial infrastructure, where access to traditional banking services may be limited.
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For countries looking to reduce their dependence on Western payment systems, the Mir payment system provides a viable alternative. In addition, it offers a degree of independence from Western sanctions and provides a means of conducting transactions in local currencies, without having to go through a third-party currency exchange.
While some may view the expansion of the Mir payment system as a move towards greater Russian influence in the global financial system, others see it as an opportunity for countries to diversify their payment options and reduce their reliance on a handful of dominant players.
In any case, the Mexico ambassador’s announcement highlights the growing popularity of the Mir payment system and its potential to expand even further in the coming years. As more countries adopt this payment system, it could have a significant impact on the global financial landscape and the way we conduct transactions around the world.
