Search Results for: BIS

The introduction of Bison Relay v0.1.8, a decentralized e-commerce system by Decred, is poised to transform digital retail dynamics. With features for enhanced user experience, this platform promotes increased control, improved privacy, and strengthened security in the online retail realm, potentially redefining the e-commerce landscape.

Mitsubishi UFJ, in collaboration with Datachain, plans to launch a cross-chain stablecoin issuance and interoperability platform by 2024, targeting networks like Ethereum, Cosmos, Avalanche, and Polygon. The platform will enable stablecoin issuance, cross-chain swaps, lending, and payments, marking a significant milestone in connecting traditional finance with emerging blockchain technology.

Ubisoft collaborates with Integral Reality Labs to create Assassin’s Creed Smart Collectibles – NFT access passes on Polygon network with redeemable 3D-printed keepsakes. This partnership highlights the potential of incorporating NFTs in gaming while addressing concerns of a speculative market bubble.

South Korea’s central bank is collaborating with the Bank for International Settlements for a test run on wholesale central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) seeking to assess the feasibility of setting South Korea’s future monetary framework based on CBDCs. The test project focuses on the CBDC’s efficiency as a settlement asset and its programmability potential.

The South Korean central bank, BOK, is advancing towards a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot, scheduled for late 2024. By testing a wholesale CBDC model first, it aims to streamline inter-bank settlements while preparing for retail use. The bank collaborates with domestic institutions and international bodies like the BIS, though it remains undecided on fully endorsing a digital won.

The Banque de France views central bank digital currency (CBDC) as a crucial component for the new international monetary system, enhancing cross-border payments. It’s being considered from an international perspective right from the outset. Two potential development pathways include building interoperability with legacy systems and creating regional or international platforms for CBDCs.

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is intensifying its efforts on a digital lari central bank digital currency (CBDC) and conducting a live pilot project involving nine firms including Ripple Labs. The envisioned CBDC design includes features like programmable money, asset tokenization, agricultural insurance provision, and real estate transaction automation. Despite potential concerns around monetary freedom, the project symbolizes the promising future of blockchain technology.

“France, Singapore, and Switzerland recently experimented with cross-border Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) using public blockchain and DeFi technology in a venture named Project Mariana. Despite successful trials, further investigation and iterations are required to fully understand the complexities of implementing such systems.”

“Project Mariana, a collaboration between the Bank for International Settlements and the central banks of France, Singapore, and Switzerland, has successfully tested a system leveraging cryptocurrency concepts and DeFi technology for seamless cross-border trading in wholesale Central Bank Digital Currencies (wCBDCs).”

Swift, the global financial messaging network, has partnered with three central banks to beta test a cross-border transaction solution for CBDCs. The focus is on interoperability between different digital currencies and current fiat-based systems. Swift’s CBDC innovations are designed to prevent digital islands and establish safe links between existing and future payment systems.

“Japanese electronics titan, Sony, is reportedly focusing on developing a blockchain network in collaboration with Singapore-based Startale Labs. Sony’s IT subsidiary will pivot from IoT to the blockchain sector, aiming to propel Sony’s blockchain technology beyond established giants. This initiative could potentially create a global infrastructure powerhouse for the Web3 era.”

“Project Sela, a joint initiative led by BIS, and the central banks of Hong Kong and Israel, points to the feasibility of CBDCs settling on centralized ledgers while ensuring privacy. Addressing cost factors and potential risks, it put forth an efficient solution, ‘Access Enabler,’ that allows network settlement without merchants retaining users’ CBDC. This opens a promising pathway for digital currencies to potentially become a universally accepted retail payment form.”

“Israel and Hong Kong have completed their retail central bank digital currency (rCBDC) test runs, focusing on private participation, inclusivity, and security. Project Sela merges cash characteristics with digitization benefits, addressing policy, security, technology, and legal issues. However, real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system limitations and developmental challenges remain.”