Payments
BoJ aiming to make better use of upgraded settlement system
New version of BoJ-Net carries various advantages and has seen growing settlement volume, but the central bank wants to push this further
Electronic payment system standards will be a 2016 priority, EBA says
Developing technical standards for European electronic payment systems will be a priority for 2016, the EBA says; authority will continue to work closely with ECB
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe cuts electronic payment charges to tackle cash shortage
Central Bank introduces latest measure to combat cash shortage by encouraging use of electronic payments; mobile payments on the rise but card use still low
Norges Bank deputy: lack of common infrastructure hampers faster payments
Limited collaboration between banks in Norway is hampering availability of real-time payments and causing Norway to fall behind, Jon Nicolaisen says
LCH first clearing house to sign up to ISO 20022 harmonisation charter
Charter produced by Swift sets out measures for harmonising the implementation of ISO 20022; LCH.Clearnet Group becomes the first CCP to sign up
Cambodian central bank says $8 million grant will boost retail payments
National Bank of Cambodia announces grant from South Korean government to help develop payments infrastructure; hoping to discourage cash usage and support inclusion
Afghanistan needs to use mobile money better, governor says
Mobile payments cut costs and risk, but take-up is hampered by lack of awareness, confidence and an “all-inclusive ecosystem”, says Sediq
Swift details plan to toughen cyber defences
Five “strategic initiatives” designed to help global financial community better prepare for future attacks, as Swift says it is "clear" the global community will be targeted again
RBA caps interchange fees and surcharges
Reserve Bank of Australia completes two-year card review, implementing reform around surcharges and interchange fees; regulation now applies to ‘companion cards’
Swift to roll out cyber security programme
CEO announces five-part initiative, with improved information sharing a key element; full details to follow this week
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