Bitcoin
UK lawmakers launch inquiry into DLT and cryptocurrency
Parliamentary committee is to investigate whether UK regulators have struck the right balance in regulating emerging technologies without stifling innovation
We don’t need cryptocurrencies – former St Louis Fed economist
Current payment infrastructure and physical cash already provide the benefits offered by cryptocurrencies, says Stephen Williamson
European authorities warn of dangers in cryptocurrency markets
Spanish and Dutch central banks warn of “misleading” data and unregulated markets
BIS’s Carstens calls for cryptocurrency clampdown
Bitcoin has become “a combination of a bubble, a Ponzi scheme and an environmental disaster”
Asian central banks crack down on cryptocurrency
Central banks in China, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore all taking action as cryptocurrency prices slump
Bank Negara Malaysia issues new digital currency regulation
Proposed regulation aims to hold digital exchanges to a higher standard of transparency, while ensuring they identify any AML/CFT risks that may arise
How crypto is my currency?
Richard Heckinger examines how central banks are grappling with new ideas on crypto-currency and distributed ledgers
Unconventional policy driving crypto bubble, BNPP economist argues
Cryptocurrencies have the potential to deliver “large, positive returns” in an environment stifled by negative real rates
DNB abandons digital currency initiative to focus on blockchain
Blockchain could offer better resilience for payment systems against cyber threats, says head of FMI policy; digital currency not the most “promising” use of blockchain
MAS working to keep crypto-currencies and ICOs under control
Authority is mulling how to respond to the growth of crypto-currencies and initial coin offerings
DLT not ready for retail payments – Bundesbank
German central bank says retail payment systems are already sufficient to support fast transfers; DLT could be used to streamline global payment processes
All central banks may have to consider crypto-currencies – BIS
BIS economists examine the case of central banks issuing own digital currency in both the retail and wholesale landscape
PBoC research head defends ICO ban
Central bank official stresses ban on ICOs will not hinder research on blockchain
Bank of Finland paper deems bitcoin ‘revolutionary’
Bitcoin cannot be regulated, say economists, who give the volatile cryptocurrency a glowing review
Central banks unlikely to issue digital money, argues author
David Birch’s book discusses how communities could be at the heart of the new electronic monetary system
PBoC bans ICOs in latest crypto-currency battle
Price of bitcoin falls as China’s central bank takes action against projects that have raised 2.6 billion yuan; regulators in other areas also wary of ICO funding
BoE economist argues against benefits of cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies have “failed” to compete with fiat currencies as an alternative store of value
WEF report calls for global standards on blockchain
Authors say it is time for ‘global action’ in fostering fintech innovation; task forces need to be created to create global standards, while funding should be provided to help research
Pure DLT systems not yet suitable for wholesale payments – Bank of Canada
The current state of distributed ledger technology makes it too inefficient to run as a pure system, though elements could still be useful, researchers say; details of RTGS project emerge
Kashkari has inflation concerns about bitcoin
The potential of digital currencies lies with underlying infrastructure, Minneapolis Fed president says; the Fed is “paying attention” to the issue
Chinese bitcoin exchanges continue prohibiting withdrawals
Bitcoin exchanges suspend withdrawals indefinitely following statement from PBoC official; central bank does see benefits to the technology
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