South African Regulator Grants 248 Crypto Licenses, Rejects 9 Applications

The South African financial regulator has issued 248 of the crypto asset service provider licenses it has received to date. 9 Applications Rejected The South African financial regulator, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), has issued a total of 248 crypto asset service provider (CASP) licenses from the 420 applications it received. According to a … Read more

South Africa Seeks Input on National AI Policy Framework

The South African government has published a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Framework, which aims to guide the development and adoption of AI in the country. The framework outlines strategic pillars, including talent development, digital infrastructure, research, and innovation, as well as ethical considerations, such as transparency, accountability, and fairness. The policy framework is open … Read more

Brazil Pushes BRICS to Shift From US Dollar, Advocating National Currencies in Global Trade

Brazil pushes for a shift away from the U.S. dollar within the BRICS alliance, advocating for more use of national currencies in trade among member countries. As the group expands, discussions on alternative payment platforms are gaining momentum ahead of the BRICS summit in Kazan. Brazil aims to advance this initiative during its 2025 chairmanship, … Read more

BRICS Nations Set for 4.4% Growth in 2024-2025, Outpacing G7 Economies

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has emphasized the rising influence of BRICS nations during a recent event, noting their projected economic growth of 4.4% in 2024-2025, compared to 1.7% for G7 countries. Siluanov highlighted BRICS’ growing share of global GDP, now at 36.7%, and the addition of new members like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the … Read more

BRICS More Attractive Than EU, Says Serbia’s Vulin

Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin has championed BRICS as a compelling alternative to the European Union, emphasizing the economic bloc’s appeal for Serbia. He highlighted how BRICS does not impose political conditions like the EU, stressing cooperation based on respect and neutrality. Vulin’s comments signal a possible shift in Serbia’s global alliances, particularly as … Read more

North Korea Signals Closer BRICS Relations Amid Growing Russia Ties

North Korea may be ramping up efforts to align itself with the BRICS economic bloc, as its top diplomat skipped the United Nations General Assembly in favor of a BRICS-related event. Analysts suggest that while Kim Jong-un seeks to break diplomatic isolation through such alliances, North Korea’s sanctions and economic constraints make membership unlikely. Recent … Read more

BRICS Beats Dollar Dependence: National Currency Settlements Exceed USD Payments

The BRICS bloc might have already overcome its dollar-dependence problem, as the volume of settlements in the national currencies of its member nations has already surpassed the USD-based exchanges. Using the U.S. dollar can lead to expenses that can be avoided when paying with other currencies, BRICS Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and … Read more

BRICS Payment Platforms Gain Momentum as US Dollar Alternatives, Says Russian Official

BRICS’ new payment platforms, which offer alternatives to the U.S. dollar and euro, are attracting global attention, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. These systems enable countries to conduct economic activities without relying on currencies used as political tools by Western powers. The Russian official noted increasing interest in these platforms as a way … Read more