Now, BRICS is moving in a very different direction, one centered on BRICS digital payments, not a new currency. Why the “BRICS Currency” Idea FailedEarlier proposals for a shared BRICS currency collapsed for predictable reasons. Digital versions of existing sovereign currencies, such as China’s digital yuan, India’s digital rupee, and Russia’s digital ruble, would remain under full national control. Sanctions and Financial VulnerabilityCountries like Russia have already experienced how access to global financial infrastructure can be restricted. The Bigger Picture: A Multipolar Payments WorldBRICS’ digital payments push signals a broader reality: global finance is becoming more multipolar.