This paper develops a model to investigate the welfare implications of barter in Russia and other transition economies during the 1990s. We argue that barter is a welfare-improving phenomenon that acts as a defence mechanism against monetary instability. When firms react to tighter credit...

The economic gains brought by digital payments are significant. Greater financial inclusion and less friction in commerce lead to increased spending on goods and services. This, in turn, creates a virtuous economic cycle whereby increased consumption translates into more jobs and higher income....