BRICS launches 'Unit': The bet on a digital currency backed by gold

The BRICS block has just unveiled a revolutionary prototype in its financial integration strategy. It is called ‘Unit’, a digital currency backed by tangible assets that aims to transform trade dynamics among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

An unprecedented backing structure

The most distinctive feature of this BRICS currency is its reserve architecture. The instrument combines two key components: 40% physical gold as a value anchor and 60% of the five member countries’ currencies, equally distributed. This means that the Brazilian real, Chinese yuan, Indian rupee, Russian ruble, and South African rand have equal weight in the backing basket.

This design is not accidental. The inclusion of gold responds to the need for a neutral and universally recognized asset, while the equal representation of all currencies reinforces the principle of fairness among nations.

Implications for regional trade

The launch of ‘Unit’ marks a milestone in redefining the international financial system. By enabling direct transactions between BRICS economies without the mediation of traditional currencies, this digital currency opens a new front in reducing dependence on dollar and euro reserves.

For traders and companies within the bloc, the potential is significant: faster settlements, lower conversion costs, and greater financial autonomy. In the current geopolitical context, where payment systems fragmentation accelerates, Unit positions itself as a genuine alternative.

The proposal also sends a clear message about the collective capacity of BRICS to innovate in finance without relying on traditional global institutions. As the prototype moves toward operational testing, attention will focus on how markets receive this instrument and how quickly it can be integrated into real trade flows.