BIS Plans Instant Cross-Border Payments Using Wholesale CBDC Settlement

In a move to improve traditional cross-border payments, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has announced the launch of Project Rialto. This project aims to enhance instant cross-border payments by integrating a modular foreign exchange (FX) component with settlement in wholesale central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The initiative, a collaboration between the BIS Innovation Hub … Read more

China and UAE Praise Potential Role of CBDCs in Cross-Border Trade

China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have acknowledged the crucial role of central bank digital currency (CBDC) in facilitating cross-border trade and investment. In a joint statement, the two countries expressed their commitment to deepening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with respect to their CBDCs. China also expressed appreciation for the UAE’s recent direct cross-border … Read more

Ripple Report: Crypto and CBDCs Transforming Global Payments

Ripple’s recently published 2023 Trends in Regional Payments ebook highlights the transformative role of cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in the global payments landscape. Latin America is witnessing a digital transformation with a shift towards crypto-powered solutions and CBDCs, despite resistance from sector incumbents. In Africa, crypto-enabled payments are enhancing accessibility and affordability, … Read more

BRICS Bloc Mulls Stablecoins, CBDC-Based System for International Settlements

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov revealed that the BRICS bloc has been considering the use of stablecoins for its common rail payment systems. In an interview with TV BRICS, Ryabkov stated that the use of stablecoins and a connection linking the CBDCs of the participants were studied as part of the integration processes of … Read more

Latam Insights: Paraguay Targets Bitcoin Miners, Brazil Mulls Crypto Taxation Changes

Welcome to Latam Insights, a compendium of Latin America’s most relevant crypto and economic news during the last week. In this issue: Paraguayan lawmakers introduce a bill to ban cryptocurrency mining, Brazil to change crypto taxation framework, and a poll finds that Latam believes CBDCs might help combat corruption in the region. Paraguayan Lawmakers Introduce … Read more

India’s Digital Rupee Expands: Non-Banks to Offer Central Bank Digital Currency Wallets

India’s central bank has announced that it will enable non-bank payment system operators to offer central bank digital currency (CBDC) wallets. Noting that “necessary changes will be made to the system to facilitate this,” the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the initiative is expected “to enhance access and expand choices available to users.” Non-Bank … Read more

Russia Regulates Use of Digital Assets for International Settlements

Russia has integrated the use of digital assets as payment for international transactions in its legislation. President Vladimir Putin signed into law a document that describes using these assets as payment for international settlements, a use case not contemplated in any law, appointing the Central Bank of Russia as the overseer of these transactions. Russia … Read more