Bitcoin
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
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
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
Federal Reserve conducts in-depth study into distributed ledger technology
Central bank publishes first paper discussing the benefits of distributed ledger technology in the realm of payments, and clearing and settlement; use of DLT could address “financial frictions”
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
‘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
Threats and opportunities for money and payments in the digital age
Supervisors will need to adapt their frameworks to protect trust in new protocols associated with cryptocurrencies and distributed ledgers, not merely guard against new risks
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
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
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
FSB intrigued by potential uses of distributed ledgers
Mark Carney says FSB members see ‘exciting opportunities’ in financial technology, including the potential for distributed ledgers to bring security and efficiency