Payments
National Bank of Angola opens currency museum
The museum receives 2,000 visitors in its first four days; exhibits the history of the currency, from sea shells to today's banknote series
Research considers use of blockchain in securities settlement
Paper published by SWIFT Institute says full application of technology could lead to, and would require, change in existing business processes in the industry
Liikanen anticipates more changes to come from digitisation
Many new actors in the payments system in recent years have still made use of existing instruments, Bank of Finland governor says – although this could change in the future
Riksbank adviser Segendorf offers insight into distributed ledger technology
Financial stability adviser evaluates the benefits of adopting distributed ledger technology and what effect digital currencies will have on cash
Riksbank urges FMIs to work against cyber threats on strategic level
Survey reveals not all FMIs have strategy to counteract cyber threats; Riksbank suggests work needs to be done at a “strategic level”
Fijian annual report shows ‘huge decline’ in mobile money active agents
Reserve Bank of Fiji documents 84% decrease in registered active agents, while number of people registered for mobile money increased
Brazil and Paraguay near local currency payment system
Cross-border system could account for 5% of all trade between the countries; importers and exporters can use own currencies
Swiss RTGS update goes live
SNB hails successful launch of completely overhauled real-time gross settlement system; design has been made more flexible, incorporating ISO 20022 messaging standard
RBNZ signs up SIA to deliver RTGS replacement
Its subsidiary, Perago, will deliver payments infrastructure for New Zealand via “off-the-shelf” system used by Riksbank and Norges Bank
Fed’s Brainard highlights potential in distributed ledgers
Policy-makers cannot afford to ignore the possibilities new technology could offer clearing and settlement systems, Lael Brainard says
PSR has taken ‘decisive action’ in its first year – managing director
Nixon marks PSR’s first birthday with speech in Copenhagen; regulator has helped in improving access and “levelling the playing field” for market participants
Malaysian deputy tells companies to provide ‘more than just a payment solution’
Muhammad bin Ibrahim stresses importance of financial institutions providing “value-added services” to their customers if they are to remain competitive
Redesigned digital currency could keep central banks in control
Researchers at UCL launch “RSCoin” idea, highlighting its superiority over bitcoin; new digital currency framework would be controlled by central banks
MAS and BoJ announce fintech push
Singaporean and Japanese central banks establish centres aimed at developing hyped sector; describe monetary authorities as ideal "catalysts" for technological development
Fed picks McKinsey to scrutinise faster payment proposals
Consultancy firm will assess options for a real-time system across the US, as task force members are invited to submit proposals
RBNZ proposes new powers over FMIs in times of crisis
Final crisis management plan proposal details two-tiered framework for FMIs; RBNZ and FMA would act if contingency plans not up to scratch
Government approves final stage of Thai development plan
Bank of Thailand will promote electronic payments in latest phase of financial sector master plan; all phases to be completed by 2020
BoJ establishes working groups to consider how to make best use of BOJ-NET
Working group to look at ways to make effective use of settlement system; BOJ-NET to process more transactions across time zones
Bank of Japan ramps up efforts to prepare infrastructure for disaster
Central bank calls for examinations of business continuity plans, learning from the 2011 earthquake, in rare report on payments landscape; BOJ-NET extends operating time
Riksbank flags concerns over pace of development in payments
Tech development proceeding ‘too rapidly’, says central bank; evolution of payments could jeopardise access
Sama completes payments infrastructure upgrade
Infrastructure overhaul allows faster card payments and higher volumes, supporting the expansion of electronic payments in Saudi Arabia
UK payments regulator notes expansion of indirect access providers
Industry response to financial crime regulation has deterred indirect access providers from catering for smaller payment service providers, report says
Central American central banks move to upgrade regional payment system
Central bank governors from Central America draw up action plan, detailing faster payment times; Costa Rica to be fully integrated in ‘short space of time’
UK regulator wants banks to sell their stake in payments infrastructure
PSR says the ownership of infrastructure by a handful of banks damages competition and innovation; unveils a raft of proposals, including forcing banks to sell their interest in VocaLink