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“China’s digital yuan experienced increased usage at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where athletes interacted with the new technology. New language features were introduced, and the currency is linked with Hong Kong’s Fast Payment System. Overseas visitors can now open a digital yuan wallet using an overseas mobile phone number, and can ‘top up first, and use later’, for smoother transactions.”

“Tencent, the operator of WeChat and WeChat Pay, is teaming up with the People’s Bank of China to promote the use of the digital yuan via Project mBridge. While this challenges the dominance of WeChat Pay and Alipay, the digital yuan is anticipated to complement rather than compete with these platforms. This venture signifies a technological revolution in payment systems, though its uncertainties remain to be explored.”

Ant Group, the owner of Alipay, has launched ZAN, a sub-brand providing blockchain application and services. ZAN aims to assist Web3 developers, offering services like management of real-world assets, regulatory compliance solutions, and advanced features including eKYC, AML and KYT systems. Despite potential regulatory challenges, Ant Group’s innovative venture could significantly diversify its prospects in the rapidly evolving blockchain technology market.

Mu Changchun, the head of a Chinese Central Bank, asserts that the digital yuan could revolutionize retail payments nationwide, potentially outshining cash. He urges banking and e-pay allies to optimize QR Code protocols and encourages merchants to embrace e-CNY as a viable payment mode.

“Changchun Mu, from the Digital Currency Research Institute at PBOC, advocates for wider digital yuan use in retail. He envisions wallet providers adhering to financial licensing standards and a standardized QR code system for efficient transactions. Trials for e-CNY have expanded to 26 locations across 17 cities.”

“China’s mobile payment giants, WeChat Pay and Alipay, have abolished the requirement of a local bank account for foreign visitors, enabling international credit cards. Meanwhile, royalty volumes for NFTs on the Ethereum Blockchain have significantly dipped, causing concerns about their sustainability. Banks in Korea are exploring CD tokens as a stable alternative. Crypto wallet, Zengo introduced a premium subscription, and discussions on security vulnerabilities in crypto are ongoing.”

Alibaba’s founder Joseph Tsai, a known cryptocurrency proponent, will become Chairman in September amid company reorganization. This move sparks interest among crypto enthusiasts, suggesting Alibaba might be preparing for potential cryptocurrency and Web3 developments in China.

The HKMA recently launched a pilot project called Cyber Hong Kong Dollar, a CBDC involving 16 companies, including Alipay Financial, Mastercard Asia, Ripple Labs, Visa, and HSBC. The e-HKD aims to test six potential use cases while results are expected at Hong Kong Fintech Week 2023.