Payments
World Bank official says blockchain could cut settlement times
Official says first blockchain bond shows the technology's potential
Central banking’s 30-year cycle
Central banking has hit another crossroads, writes Central Banking founder Robert Pringle
IMF’s Adrian on the big tech threat and why a ‘non-system’ works
The IMF’s financial counsellor speaks about risks from big tech’s move into fintech, the fund’s efforts to craft well-targeted policy guidance and why the current international monetary ‘non-system’ works
PBoC says new digital payment system is almost ready
New electronic payment system will use double-layer framework for digital currency
Central banks need better crypto asset data to contain risk – ECB research
Links between crypto assets and regulated financial sector may increase and challenge regulatory frameworks; ECB creates own database
Fed aims for 24/7 instant payment system in US
FedNow Service should be available in 2023 or 2024, and Fed promises upgrade to existing systems
RBNZ publishes new FMI regulation bill
Proposal would enhance central bank’s ability to hold market participants to binding standards
Powell says Fed will decide on 24/7 RTGS system ‘soon’
Fed under pressure to act amid flurry of legislative activity around payments
Costa Rican banks to adopt IBAN by October
Adopting international standard will modernise payments system, central bank says
Oman finalises plan to modernise payments
Central bank hopes to bolster fintech within the country
Cambodia launches blockchain-powered payment system
Central bank hopes to reduce money transfer costs and improve financial inclusion with the mobile-based system
Ripple attempts to pacify US regulators after libra hearings
Payments service provider says crypto assets would be complementary to dollar
Cash usage keeps falling in Netherlands
In 2018, 37% of purchases were paid for in cash, down from 41% in 2017
Swift says Singapore trial cut cross-border payment times
Network argues existing payments systems can be used for cross-border transfers
Cash no longer US’s most popular means of payment
Debit cards were the most frequently used means of payment in 2018, Fed report finds
Zimbabwe relying on central bank to keep lights on
$14 million needed to keep power flowing, and debts are piling up, says energy CEO
PBoC gets go-ahead from China’s cabinet to develop CBDC
China’s central bank is developing its own CBDC, as officials voice concerns over Facebook’s Libra
PBoC sounds alarm over Facebook’s Libra
Central banks must keep control of Facebook currency, senior officials say
Belize starts charging banks for payment processing
Central bank had previously shouldered the cost of the payment system
Mobile financial services bring firms into formal economy - BdF paper
New technologies cuts size of ‘informal’ economy in developing world, researchers find
RBNZ launches strategy to become ‘best central bank’
Statement of intent for 2019–22 includes an update to RTGS system, and a “future of cash” plan
BIS annual report warns of big tech threat to banks
Basel-based body wants “level playing field” for banks and tech firms, as Facebook enters payments space
Carney pledges BoE will shape ‘future of finance’
BoE considers innovations on balance sheet, SME credit and climate stress tests; Carney says BoE will approach Facebook’s Libra with “open mind”, not “open door”
RBNZ highlights cash advantages as usage declines
New Zealand central bank aims to protect sectors of society more reliant on cash