Putin Signs Law to Advance Cryptocurrency Use in Russia’s International Trade

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law to establish experimental legal frameworks to advance digital technologies, particularly cryptocurrencies, in international trade. The legislation allows for the modification of laws to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions, including cross-border trade, and grants the Bank of Russia oversight of pilot projects related to digital currencies. Putin Signs Law … Read more

Russia to Increase Reliance on National Currencies in Energy Trade, Vows to Move Away From the US Dollar

Russia will increase its reliance on national currencies to settle payments for its energy resources, moving away from the US dollar, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Novak noted there is a great interest in acquiring Russian energy resources, leading Russia to accept more currencies for these settlements. Russia Aims to Settle Energy … Read more

Dollar Dominance Fading Amid Growing China Trade, Russia Sanctions Risks, Ray Dalio Says

Fewer nations are willing to hold the U.S. dollar as America’s share in the global economy becomes smaller while China’s role in international trade expands, billionaire Ray Dalio noted. The founder of the world’s largest hedge fund also said that Western sanctions on Russia have highlighted new risks of keeping dollar assets. ‘Dollar Is Debt,’ … Read more

Displaying US Dollar Prices Still Prohibited, Ghanaian Central Bank Tells Actress Lydia Forson

The Bank of Ghana recently warned businesses quoting U.S. dollar prices that the practice is still prohibited and that the cedi remains Ghana’s sole legal tender. The bank said it is working with law enforcement to “clamp down on illegal foreign exchange operations.” In addition to naming and shaming businesses violating the law, a Ghanaian … Read more

China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and UAE Trial Cross-Border Transactions With Digital Currencies

The monetary authorities of four jurisdictions in Asia have carried out tests with international settlements using state-issued digital currencies. Cross-border payments and foreign exchange transactions totaling over $22 million were made as part of the pilot project with the participation of the Bank for International Settlements. Asian Central Banks Pilot Real-Value International Settlements With Digital … Read more

Russian Chamber of Commerce Suggests Using Cryptocurrencies in Settlements With Africa

Employing crypto in cross-border payments is one of the proposals put forward by the Russian Chamber Of Commerce lobbying for more cooperation with African countries. Amid unprecedented sanctions limiting Russia’s ability to trade internationally, the head of the board has urged the government to work out an alternative system for settlements with Moscow’s partners. Chamber … Read more

Nigerian CBDC Website Goes Live, Central Bank Faces Trademark Infringement Allegations

According to reports from Nigeria, the official website for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s e-naira digital currency is now up and running. The reports come just a few days before the start of the central bank digital currency (CBDC) rollout. E-Naira Similar to Physical Currency An analysis by regional news outlet This Day suggests … Read more

Nigeria’s Foreign Currency Crisis Boon for Bitcoin: Country Tops Wallet Downloads Ahead of the US

Nigeria’s weakening naira currency, as well as the shortage of U.S. dollars, are forcing businesses to switch to bitcoin as the means of settling payments for international transactions. Nigerian businesses need the American currency to buy new supplies, as well as to order essential equipment from abroad. However, formal sources of foreign currency like banks … Read more