China’s e-yuan now offers interest payments on verified digital wallets, evolving from digital cash to digital deposit currency, catalyzing cross-border payment innovations. BRICS countries, holding over 6,000 tonnes of gold and dominating global gold purchases, advance de-dollarization by promoting alternative currency use and reducing USD reliance. Despite these efforts, over 80% of world trade remains dollar-invoiced, though China’s e-yuan pilot projects in multiple countries signal gradual shifts in global settlements.