Iran Aims to Roll Out Pilot Version of Crypto Rial Within 2 Months

The government in Tehran is taking steps in preparation of the launch of Iran’s new digital currency, referred to as the crypto rial. The monetary authority of the Islamic Republic hopes to initiate the pilot phase of the project within the next two months. Crypto Rial to Be Different From Cryptocurrencies, Central Bank Says Iranian … Read more

Bank of Russia Accelerates Schedule for Digital Ruble Project

The Central Bank of Russia continues to step up efforts to test and issue the digital ruble, with a roadmap for the full implementation of the new form of the national fiat now expected by the end of 2023. Trials with real transactions and users are scheduled to begin next April, earlier than originally planned. … Read more

Russia to Trial Digital Ruble Settlements for Real Estate Deals

The Central Bank of Russia and participating commercial banks want to test various types of payments with the digital ruble, the Russian press reported. The plan is to experiment with smart contracts and transactions related to real estate and crypto asset purchases. Bank of Russia to Launch Smart Contracts on Digital Ruble Platform Russia’s central … Read more

Virtual Currency-Based Sale Agreement an Invalid Contract, Chinese Court Rules

A virtual currency cannot be circulated in the market as a currency, therefore a vehicle sale contract wherein parties agreed that the buyer would pay with a privately issued digital currency is invalid, a Chinese court has ruled. The court asserts that a virtual currency does not have the same legal status as national fiat … Read more

ECB Considers Capping Digital Euro in Circulation at 4,000 per Capita, Panetta Reveals

With concerns about financial stability in mind, the European Central Bank (ECB) plans to limit digital euro holdings, according to Board Member Fabio Panetta. The plan is to have a maximum amount of digital cash in circulation similar to that of euro banknotes today, the official unveiled. Eurozone’s Central Bank to Keep Total Digital Euro … Read more

Russia Developing Sandbox for Cross-border Crypto Payments

An institute facilitating Russian exports is now working on the establishment of a sandbox for international crypto payments, local media reported. The goal is to identify potential regulatory and technological challenges for settlements with digital assets. Russia Prepares to Test Crypto Payments for Exports in Dedicated Sandbox The Russian Export Center (REC), which is a … Read more

Ethiopian Central Bank Urges Residents to Stop Engaging in Crypto Transactions

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has said it does not recognize cryptocurrencies as a legitimate method of payment and that residents must avoid using them. The bank insists the local birr currency is the only lawful means of settling transactions in Ethiopia. Illegal Transactions The Ethiopian central bank has warned citizens against engaging in … Read more