Search Results for: Bank for International Settlements

Ripple announced its partnership with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), joining the BIS’s Payment Interoperability and Extension (PIE) task force. The inclusion of Ripple aims to improve cross-border payments, aligning with the task force’s objective of enhancing payment systems globally. However, uncertainties lie in Ripple’s ongoing court dispute concerning the status of XRP as a security.

The Bank for International Settlements expressed skepticism about cryptocurrencies’ role in the global monetary system, citing stability, efficiency, accountability, and integrity issues. However, they acknowledged the “programmability” of money, an innovative aspect in crypto. Despite recognizing these elements, the bank believes crypto hasn’t significantly benefited society.

“Crypto regulation remains a hot topic with structural flaws and potential benefits. The Bank for International Settlements criticizes crypto’s viability in the monetary system, while the UK Treasury suggests a five-year regulatory reprieve could benefit digital assets. However, controversies arise with technological advancements and perceived threats to decentralization principles by some pilots of Central Bank Digital Currency. Meanwhile, jurisdiction disputes in crypto markets begin.”

“Elon Musk and Tesla face a $258 billion lawsuit over alleged misconduct related to Dogecoin cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, the Bank for International Settlements is developing a framework to protect Central Bank Digital Currencies from cyber threats, underlining the tension and commitment within the crypto and traditional financial ecosystems to the blockchain future.”

The former CEO of Voyager Digital, now under regulatory scrutiny for allegedly violating U.S. derivatives regulations, views these allegations as retrospective application of rules. This comes after Voyager’s bankruptcy and amid investigations into its unfair marketing practices. Regulations, while possibly seen as constraints, can provide stability and customer protection in the crypto market.

The European Commission is assessing export controls on AI and semiconductor technologies due to their potential risk, technologically and for human rights violations. Four focal areas for risk assessment are AI, advanced semiconductors, quantum technologies and biotechnologies, influenced by their transformative nature and potential for civil/military fusion.

The mBridge Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) project, comprising members from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, UAE, and BISIH, is preparing for expansion. The project offers faster, cost-effective, and transparent cross-border transactions. Concerns rise from potential exploitation for sanctions evasion.

The BISIH report submitted to the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors offers contrasting views on cryptocurrencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), highlighting the structural flaws and risks of the crypto ecosystem, while championing CBDCs as the future monetary system. The BISIH posits that cryptocurrencies’ inherent weaknesses limit their significant impact on the monetary system, whereas CBDCs promise stability. It emphasizes not only the binary nature but the complexity of these phenomena, underscoring the challenge in achieving a balance between regulation and innovation.

ECB board member Fabio Panetta argues that cryptocurrencies hold “no societal benefits” and should be treated as gambling, subject to stringent regulatory standards. He emphasizes the importance of regulating crypto-related activities, including DeFi and self-custodial wallets, while acknowledging ongoing efforts such as the new MiCA regulations.

The UK government’s proposed digital pound has received mixed reactions, with concerns around user privacy, holding limits, and integration with cryptocurrencies for future-proofing. To succeed, public trust and understanding will be crucial, as the decision and implementation may not occur until at least 2025.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is laying the groundwork for a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC), known as e-HKD. Their recent report indicates potential applications for digital currency due to rapid digital economic evolution, with potential implementation on a permissioned blockchain.

Malaysia’s Securities Commission (SC) has ordered Seychelles-based crypto exchange Huobi to cease operations due to running a digital asset exchange without proper registration. The move highlights the need for compliance with local regulations and the protection of investors’ interests in the growing Malaysian crypto market.

The Hungarian Central Bank takes a cautious approach to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) as it evaluates the need for a large-scale retail CBDC, considering the country’s demographics and financial inclusivity. As CBDC adoption raises privacy and financial security concerns, Hungary seeks to maintain financial stability while exploring digital currency possibilities.

“Yield Protocol’s decision to cease operations, impacted by decreased demand and strict regulations, juxtaposes with Wirex’s launch of W-Pay, a bridge for decentralized applications and traditional payment infrastructures. The future of blockchain remains uncertain amid these contrasting developments.”

‘Project Atlas’, pioneered by Bank of International Settlements and various European Central banks, is developing a proof of concept system tracking on-chain and off-chain cryptocurrency transactions. The project aims to understand macroeconomic relevance of cryptocurrency markets and decentralized finance, offering transparency and potential risk mitigation.