China-Russia Alliance Expands, Elevating US Risks in Asia and Middle East

Frederick Kempe, CEO of the Atlantic Council, highlighted two pressing concerns at the UN General Assembly: the intensifying China-Russia partnership and doubts over US leadership. Alongside former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, he warned of mounting global threats, comparing today’s risks to the Cold War. China’s support for Russia and Iran is escalating conflicts, demanding … Read more

Australian Central Bank Prioritizes Wholesale CBDC

The Australian Central Bank is focusing on a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) due to its potential economic benefits compared to a retail CBDC. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has launched Project Acacia, a three-year plan to explore wholesale CBDC opportunities. While the RBA and Treasury could still consider a retail CBDC, a … Read more

Global Surge in CBDC Development: 134 Countries Now Exploring Digital Currencies

New data shows that 134 countries, representing 98% of global GDP, are now exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with 66 nations advancing to pilot or development stages. Every G20 nation is engaged in CBDC efforts, with notable leaders such as China and the European nations pushing forward. The U.S. remains lagging behind Europe and … Read more

CBDC Debate Heats Up: BIS Project Sparks Controversy Among Critics; Lynette Zang Warns of Dangers of CBDCs

During the weekend, discussions about central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, trended on social media as many people believe the idea will result in increased financial surveillance and a totalitarian monetary system. In a recent interview, Lynette Zang, the chief market analyst at ITM Trading, warned that CBDCs will “take the world into a full … Read more

US Treasury and White House to Hold Regular Meetings on CBDCs and Payment Innovations

On March 1, 2023, Nellie Liang, undersecretary for domestic finance at the U.S. Treasury, delivered a speech to the Atlantic Council in Washington concerning the subject of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Liang detailed during her speech that a CBDC is one of several options for “upgrading the legacy capabilities of central bank money,” and … Read more

Nigerian CBDC Still Not Widely Used a Year After Launch

On October 25, Nigeria commemorated the first anniversary of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s e-naira, even as more residents continue to snub the digital currency. In a move aimed at boosting the use of the CBDC, the central bank is offering a 5% discount to motorized rickshaw drivers and passengers that use the e-naira. Kingsley … Read more

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele Takes Aim at Bitcoin Detractors, Says the Ones Who Are Afraid ‘Are the World’s Powerful Elites’

It’s been over a year since El Salvador codified bitcoin as legal tender in the Latin American country, and by popping the ‘orange pill,’ the country was propelled into the international spotlight. At the end of September, the 41-year-old Salvadoran president Nayib Bukele penned an opinion editorial that takes aim at the detractors who think … Read more

Bitcoin-Embracing El Salvador President’s Re-Election Declaration Slammed

Just over a year after overseeing El Salvador’s adoption of bitcoin, the Central American country’s 41-year-old president, Nayib Bukele, recently declared his intention serve another five-year term. The announcement has been criticized by some who have been quick to remind Bukele that El Salvador’s constitution prohibits presidents from serving consecutive terms. Re-Election of Presidents a … Read more

105 Countries Are Exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies, CBDC Tracker Shows

There are now 105 countries that are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Among them, 50 countries are in an advanced phase of digital currency exploration (development, pilot, or launch). 105 Countries Are Exploring CBDCs The Atlantic Council’s Geoeconomic Centre has released a major update to its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Tracker. According to … Read more