Laos to Study Digital Currency With Help From Japanese Fintech, Report Reveals

The central bank of Laos intends to explore issuing its own digital currency, according to a media report that provided details on the plan. A study on the matter will commence soon and will be conducted with the support of a fintech startup based in Japan. Central Bank of Laos Joins Race to Develop Digital … Read more

‘Faster and Cheaper Cross-Border Transfers’ — Banking Report Led by BIS Highlights the Benefits of Cryptocurrency

According to a report published by the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) and a group of central banks, digital currencies can lead to faster settlement and cheaper transfers. Moreover, the banking group leveraged a prototype that shows how money transfers can be done in seconds with very little processing fees. Inexpensive Transfers & Speed: Bank … Read more

Chinese Banks Seek New Applications for Digital Yuan in Investment and Insurance

Two Chinese banks are expanding their pilot programs for the digital national fiat. The state-owned financial institutions have revealed they are aiming to allow digital yuan holders to acquire investment funds and insurance products using the new currency. Chinese Banks Partner With Fund Managers and Insurers in Search of Digital Yuan Use Cases China Construction … Read more

People’s Bank of China Targets Crypto Companies in Shenzhen Crackdown

The Shenzhen office of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has reportedly set out to correct the business activities of about a dozen companies allegedly engaged in cryptocurrency transactions. According to Chinese media, the entities have been targeted in a crackdown on crypto trading in the city. People’s Bank of China Cracks Down on Coin … Read more

Fed Governor Lael Brainard Can’t Imagine Future Without Digital Dollar

Pointing to a number of reasons why a digital version of the U.S. dollar should be created, Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard insisted that not having one wouldn’t lead to a sustainable future. The central bank official believes a digital dollar will have both international and domestic applications. US Fed’s Lael Brainard Can’t Wrap Head … Read more

Digital Yuan to Promote International Use of Chinese Currency, Experts Say

The new digital yuan, currently undergoing trials, can help to increase the international usage of China’s national fiat, experts have stated. As the renminbi (RMB, CNY) is becoming one of the world’s most important currencies, the People’s Bank of China is planning to conduct cross-border tests with the yuan’s digitized version, the e-CNY. Digital Yuan … Read more

81 Countries Are Now Exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies — 5 CBDCs Fully Launched

Eighty-one countries are now exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), according to a new tracker. This number is 46 more countries than the number in May last year. In addition, five countries have fully launched their own digital currencies. 81 Central Banks Explore Launching Own Digital Currencies The Atlantic Council’s Geoeconomics Center unveiled a new … Read more

Chinese Miners Pivot to Alternative Currencies to Keep Operating

The Chinese mining crackdown forced many miners to stop their operations and relocate. But another group of miners is planning to pivot to new, more efficient mining schemes to keep operating in the country. Lesser-known tokens and proof-of-stake-based systems are now in the sights of these miners as ways to continue their work away from … Read more