Digital currencies
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
Bank of Canada experimenting with distributed ledger technology
Wilkins tells audience the Bank of Canada has “rolled up its sleeves” with regard to fintech; central bank testing “CAD-coin” in conjunction with private sector
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
Mersch sets out broad questions around distributed ledgers
Yves Mersch considers how access to central bank money could work if market infrastructure adopts the technology; ECB publishes paper on its application in post-trade market for securities
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
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