Digital Euro to Handle ‘Almost Unlimited’ Payments, Estonian Central Bank Says After Test

A blockchain-based digital euro would be highly scalable allowing it to process an almost unlimited number of payments, the central bank of Estonia has concluded following a recent experiment. Central banks from several euro area countries and the ECB participated in the test, which also professed to show the digital currency’s carbon footprint would be … Read more

Banks in Kazakhstan to Open Accounts for Registered Crypto Exchanges

Companies providing trading services for digital assets will be able to open accounts with banks in Kazakhstan, local media reported, quoting the country’s crypto industry association. The service should allow Kazakhs to legally invest in cryptocurrencies and cash out their profits. Crypto Exchanges in Kazakhstan to Be Offered Banking Services Kazakh banks will be permitted … Read more

Future of Digital Euro ‘Not Clear Yet,’ Former Eurogroup Official Says

Europe’s digital currency project has made some progress recently, with the Eurozone’s central bank moving to its next stage. Critics point, however, to the continuing lack of clarity around the design and purpose of the digital euro after a decade-long delay, if cryptocurrency is taken as a benchmark. Digital Euro to ‘Feel Like a Prepaid … Read more

Russian Crypto Industry Scrambles to Attract Miners as Kazakhstan Overtakes Russia in Mining Volume

An industry association representing the Russian crypto sector has launched a project to entice bitcoin miners. Despite its abundant sources of cheap energy, Russia is now lagging behind Kazakhstan, another Eurasian Economic Union member, in terms of cryptocurrency production. Russian Project Aims to Expand Country’s Crypto Mining Capacity The Russian Association of Crypto Industry and … Read more

Digital Euro Project Gets Going as ECB Launches Investigation Phase

After months of deliberation, the European Central Bank has decided to proceed with a digital euro project. Officials insist the new version of Europe’s common currency should “ensure privacy” and provide access to “the safest form of money” at a “negligible” cost to the environment, in comparison with bitcoin. Eurosystem Initiates Digital Euro Project The … Read more

Privacy Is Key for Successful Digital Euro, Data Protection Body Says

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has issued a call for EU institutions to uphold privacy when designing a digital version of the euro. The agency is ready to provide advice on data protection matters surrounding the project. Meanwhile, an ECB executive has vowed that the digital euro will protect users’ privacy. EDPB Insists Data … Read more

Swiss, French Central Banks to Trial Wholesale CBDC Settlements With BIS and Private Sector

The central banks of Switzerland and France are joining hands with the Bank for International Settlements to test wholesale central bank digital currencies in cross-border transactions. The experiment will be conducted with the help of a private sector consortium led by Accenture. European Central Banks to Collaborate on CBDC Project The Swiss National Bank (SNB), … Read more

Kalashnikov Eyes Digital Ruble Settlements as Russia Aims to Replace ‘Dirty Money’

Kalashnikov Group, the Russian firearms manufacturer, is ready to transition to settlements in digital currency. The announcement came from the international economic forum in Saint Petersburg where the central bank of Russia reaffirmed its intention to replace “dirty” and “infectious” paper cash with the digital ruble that’s currently under development. Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern Looks Forward … Read more

Central Bank of Sweden Invites Financial Market Actors for Second Phase of E-Krona Pilot

Sveriges Riksbank, the central bank of Sweden, will carry out the next stage of its e-krona project with the help of two organizations from the financial sector. The move signals a transition from the initial in-house testing with simulated participants to cooperation with real, external partners. Riksbank to Work With Handelsbanken and Tietoevry to Test … Read more

Chinese Firm Bit Mining Invests $9M to Build 100 Megawatt Bitcoin Farm in Kazakhstan

Shenzhen-based Bit Mining is planning to construct and operate a 100 MW crypto-mining data center in Kazakhstan. The project will be implemented in partnership with two local companies that will also provide the enterprise with an array of services. The total amount of the investment will exceed $9 million. Kazakhstan to Host New 100 MW … Read more