Digital currencies
Barbados-based firm hopes to become world’s CBDC provider
Bitt founder shares his ambitions to create a global CBDC settlement network
Bahamas exploring ‘early introduction’ of CBDC
Move could test currency’s emergency features in aftermath of hurricane Dorian, governor says
Bahamas takes steps towards digital currency as legal tender
Central bank proposes changes to governing law to give itself authority to issue a CBDC
FSB looking into regulations applicable to stablecoins
Stablecoins may be small now, but there’s “no doubt” they pose regulatory challenges, FSB chair says
Swedish state needs to face dangers of falling cash use, Riksbank says
Marginal role for the state in payments could weaken competition and trust, central bank argues
Effects of CBDC on lending depend on level of competition – BoC researchers
CBDC could increase bank lending if banks have some market power, researchers say
Riksbank opens procurement for e-krona development
Central bank intends to commission platform for electronic central bank payments in 2020
Thai SEC executive explains country’s ban on crypto-asset trading
Thai authorities struggled to find a happy medium between consumer protection and innovation
Bahamian central bank chooses start-up to spearhead CBDC project
The pilot currency is expected to be running by 2020, governor says
Central bank digital currencies need bigger incentive to succeed, researchers find
IMF paper estimates the potential demand for central bank digital currencies
The role of e-cash in China
The use of e-cash stored on integrated circuit cards notably reduces cash handling fees and increases security. It also offers greater convenience notwithstanding the rise of mobile payments
BoJ’s Nakaso says digital currencies would allow ‘wider access’ to payments
Replacing banknotes with digital currencies would be “extreme”, deputy governor says, but would allow “wider access” to central bank payment infrastructure
DLT not ‘mature enough’ for eurozone usage, ECB says
ECB’s annual report explores progress with distributed ledger technology, emphasising it is still in its infancy; DLT could eventually be used for Europe’s payment and securities settlement systems
HKMA investing in digital currency prototype
HKMA continues to build on its DLT research through digital currency venture with commercial banks; previous projects show potential to improve efficiency and transparency
MAS unveils new DLT plans for securities and cross-border payments
Success of initial project leads authority to launch two 'spin-off' projects, including a possible cross-border application of central bank-issued digital currency
RBI’s Gandhi thinks blockchain’s capabilities are being ‘overstated’
Deputy governor says virtual currencies issues on a blockchain network pose a number of risks; fintech industry starting to wake up to blockchain’s “exaggerated” benefits
PBoC issues second warning to bitcoin exchanges
Nine platforms told to enforce AML and forex regulation if they are to continue operating within China; bitcoin price holds firm against news
Philippines central bank enforces virtual currency regulation
Exchanges will have to apply for certificate of registration and implement specific risk management framework; central bank imposes transaction limit
Bitcoin exchange halts service after PBoC clampdown
BTC123 becomes first exchange in China to halt services due to ongoing investigation by government agencies into virtual currency; cuts rates on wealth products
PBoC to investigate bitcoin firms
Bitcoin price falls by 33% in January; PBoC to investigate four largest bitcoin companies
Bundesbank unveils blockchain settlement system
Prototype system able to transfer digital coins or securities as well as settling “basic corporate actions”; Deutsche Bundesbank to continue working on project to create a test concept
Fiat currencies stand firm against bitcoin
The cryptocurrency is a victim of its own success as strong demand pushes its price up, increasing speculative flows
Volatility in virtual currencies will not deter usage – new research
Model implies exchange rate will become less volatile as virtual currency becomes more established, questioning idea that volatility will impede use
‘Digital sterling’ could bring benefits but would reshape banking – BoE’s Broadbent
Bank of England deputy says central bank digital currency could entail a redesign of the banking system; research points to potential growth and stability benefits