Blockchain
Bank of Thailand to test use of digital currency for interbank settlement
Governor says bank is close to finishing proof-of-concept for digital bond issues
Sarb says blockchain project exceeds expectations
System has capability to process twice the number of transactions as the current RTGS system
DNB develops new instant payment network
Banks will be able to process payments within seconds by mid-2019, the central bank says, but evolution of cash infrastructure will continue
Not all payments will benefit from blockchain – RBNZ research
Article recognises cross-border payments could be made more efficient with blockchain, but says the technology is not mature enough for domestic transactions
Dubai regulator issues ‘innovation testing licenses’ to six fintech firms
Licenses will allow firms to test products with relaxed regulatory requirements
Investment key to Europe’s digital future, says Commission’s Ansip
Commission vice-president provides update on digital single market project
RBI to consider launching digital currency
Reserve bank to investigate issuing a digital form of central bank money, as it unveils measures to “ring fence” regulated banks against crypto tokens
BoE and FCA to lead new ‘crypto-assets task force’
Regulators will manage the risks around crypto assets as well as “harnessing the benefits” of blockchain; robo-compliance on cards
Crypto tokens not yet a ‘significant risk’ – MAS’s Menon
The MAS is monitoring the crypto world using “unconventional” data-gathering methods
Thai governor advises banks to get fintech-based vaccine
Fintech can help build “immunity” to financial shocks, says Santiprabhob, urging banks to use data to improve risk management
UK lawmakers launch inquiry into DLT and cryptocurrency
Parliamentary committee is to investigate whether UK regulators have struck the right balance in regulating emerging technologies without stifling innovation
FCA to examine feasibility of global regulatory sandbox
UK regulator recommends establishing a “college” of regulators to strengthen co-operation across borders; interested parties have until March to comment
Sama enables blockchain for cross-border payments
Pilot with Ripple will allow domestic banks to settle payments across the xCurrent network; payments infrastructure based on the Interledger Protocol
Sarb unveils new fintech push
South Africa’s central bank to investigate DLT usage for clearing and settlement; fintech roadmap will examine crypto regulation
Global custodian of the year: BNY Mellon
The US asset specialist has made strong progress in its effort to offer a seamless overlay of its disparate legacy systems, while also providing improved training to official institutions
Do not ban cryptocurrencies – DNB
Central bank says a ban would be difficult to enforce and could impede innovation
Initiative of the year: Bank of England’s FinTech Accelerator
The UK central bank has embraced fintech service providers in a controlled manner to bolster its cyber-security and payments capabilities
Bank of Lithuania set to board the blockchain
Central bank in the process of creating blockchain-specific sandbox that will grant firms access to its own platform, LBChain; hoping to launch in 2019
2017: The year in review
Over the past year, the global economy regained some strength, and some central banks began to return their policy to normal; but it was not all smooth sailing
Italian central bank launches fintech initiative
New communication channel will allow firms to directly engage with the central bank
Venezuela to launch cryptocurrency as cash crisis continues
New cryptocurrency will be backed by Venezuela’s oil reserves and other raw materials; new ‘blockchain observatory’ has responsibility for oversight
UK Royal Mint to use blockchain to track gold trades
System will track ownership of gold traded on new platform without the need of a central database; new system will charge small transaction fees but abolish storage fees
How crypto is my currency?
Richard Heckinger examines how central banks are grappling with new ideas on crypto-currency and distributed ledgers
Unconventional policy driving crypto bubble, BNPP economist argues
Cryptocurrencies have the potential to deliver “large, positive returns” in an environment stifled by negative real rates