Blockchain
DLT expert: central banks should consider wider uses than just payments
Instead of payments, central banks should look to implement DLT for identity document transfer, says Michael Mainelli; expert takes more cautious view of the technology
Digital currency could remove need for positive inflation target, economists argue
Proposed digital framework eliminates the need for “inflation buffer” and promotes transparency of the balance sheet
PBoC deepens interest in fintech with new committee
Fintech committee will be charges with investigating the pros and cons of financial innovation and producing guidelines where appropriate; China’s central bank deepens cooperation with IMF
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
All aboard the blockchain
The underpinning architecture of bitcoin and other crypto-currencies – distributed ledger technology – has the potential to revolutionise digital payments, with some central banks working out how to harness ‘the blockchain’
Swift to ‘streamline’ cross-border payments with DLT framework
Swift to launch blockchain proof of concept later this year utilising the ‘hyperledger fabric’
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
New paper examines central bank digital currency models
Bank of Canada experiment proves distributed ledger networks can be used to settle payments; paper examines the difference between retail and wholesale models
G20 should create central bank blockchain group – think tank
Policy brief stresses the need for the G20 to be a leading figure in the blockchain debate; new consortium to discuss implications for monetary and fiscal policy
MAS’s Menon stresses importance of fintech regulation timing
Fintech needs regulation, but it should not “front-run” innovation, says Menon; regulation should “kick in” only when fintech risk “crosses a certain threshold”
Bank Negara Malaysia invites public to submit ‘fintech hacks'
Malaysia’s central bank extends research into fintech through public project; hopes regulatory sandbox will produce “game-changing results”
Bundesbank president: blockchain brings benefits and pitfalls
Technology has the potential to make financial markets “faster” and “more efficient”; its introduction should be accompanied by regulation
BoE collaborates with fintech firms to enhance payment system
BoE establishes new fintech community to discuss developments in the industry; next round of proof-of-concepts to examine ‘interledgers’ and threat intelligence
Chinese bitcoin exchanges continue prohibiting withdrawals
Bitcoin exchanges suspend withdrawals indefinitely following statement from PBoC official; central bank does see benefits to the technology
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
Weidmann urges central banks to promote economic and financial literacy
Financial literacy is crucial in underpinning trust in central banks, German governor stresses; advancements in technology will help to boost financial inclusion
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
RBI research arm tests blockchain for clearing, settlement
IDRBT releases white paper on the applications of blockchain, examining the benefits for the Indian financial sector; research group created proof-of-concept architecture to simulate clearing network
French central bank reveals details of blockchain experiment
Banque de France teams up with a fintech start-up to run distributed ledger tech through Sepa; the results of project expected to be presented at a conference in 2017
HKMA launches fintech accelerator
In partnership with Astri, initiative will “nurture” talent to meet the growing need for fintech innovation in the region
BoJ and ECB collaborate on distributed ledger tech
The project will examine the possibility of running central bank infrastructure platforms in a DL environment; research will focus on payments and securities settlement
Central banks ‘critical’ in the development of blockchain
Large South African commercial bank examines what a central bank digital currency would look like, coining the phrase “sovereign blockchain”