Reserve Bank of Australia to Pilot Digital Currency, Explore Use Cases

The monetary authority in Australia is beginning research into the potential economic benefits of issuing a central bank digital currency. Within the project, the regulator hopes to identify use cases and intends to develop a limited-scale pilot. Central Bank of Australia Working on Digital Currency Program The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced the launch … Read more

Thailand’s Oldest Lender Delays Bitkub Exchange Acquisition Amid Tighter Crypto Rules

The company that owns Thailand’s Siam Commercial Bank has postponed a deal to acquire a majority stake in Bitkub, the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. The decision comes amid tightening crypto regulations that limit growth in domestic crypto trading. SCB Postpones Acquisition of Thai Crypto Exchange Bitkub The parent company of Siam Commercial Bank, SCB X, … Read more

ECB Calls for Urgent Regulation of Stablecoins and Defi, Won’t Rule Out Bitcoin Mining Ban

A new report by the European Central Bank (ECB), presented as a “deep dive into crypto financial risks,” calls for “appropriate” regulation and oversight of stablecoins and decentralized finance (defi). It also addresses the hot topic of Bitcoin’s carbon footprint in Europe, suggesting a ban on proof-of-work mining is probable. Growth of Stablecoins, Defi Warrants … Read more

Russian Blockchain Alternative to SWIFT to Prevent Disconnection of Nations, Banks

A Russian university is ready to test its blockchain-based analogue to the global payment messaging network SWIFT, from which Russian banks were cut off as part of Western sanctions. The developers say their system would not allow the disconnecting of countries and banks. Russian Developers Create SWIFT Substitute Using Blockchain Experts from the Competence Center … Read more

Bank of Russia Accelerates Schedule for Digital Ruble Project

The Central Bank of Russia continues to step up efforts to test and issue the digital ruble, with a roadmap for the full implementation of the new form of the national fiat now expected by the end of 2023. Trials with real transactions and users are scheduled to begin next April, earlier than originally planned. … Read more

Sberbank to Conduct First Digital Asset Transaction on Own Platform

Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, is going to carry out the first transfer of digital assets on its own dedicated platform within a month, a top executive revealed this week. The announcement comes after earlier this year, the bank was authorized to issue digital financial assets. Sberbank Prepares for Deal With Digital Financial Assets on Proprietary … Read more

Belgian Banking Group KBC Creates Blockchain-Based Coin

KBC Group, a major European banking and insurance institution headquartered in Belgium, has launched a token based on a blockchain platform. Its customers will be able to acquire the new proprietary coins and use them through their KBC wallet and mobile app. KBC Issues Digital Coin for Clients and Partners KBC, the Brussels-based financial group … Read more

Bank of Kyrgyzstan Issues Warning About Cryptocurrencies, Crypto Payments

Amid the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies in Kyrgyzstan, the country’s central bank has reminded citizens about the risks associated with the digital assets. The monetary authority also warned that crypto payments are illegal in the Kyrgyz Republic. National Bank of Kyrgyzstan Urges Caution With Cryptocurrency Cryptocurrencies and other virtual assets are increasingly spreading in Kyrgyzstan, … Read more

Major Japanese Bank Sumitomo Mitsui Trust to Launch Cryptocurrency Custody Business

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust, one of the major banking institutions in Japan, will reportedly enter the cryptocurrency custody business. The company is entering a partnership with Bitbank, a Tokyo-based cryptocurrency exchange, to launch a new company that will focus on offering institutional-grade custody for digital assets and NFTs. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank to Enter Digital Custody … Read more