Bank of Thailand Tests Potential of a Retail CBDC, the Digital Baht

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has released a report on its Retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot project, conducted using Giesecke+Devrient’s (G+D) technology solution. The project tested the digital version of the Baht and its potential for financial innovation, delivering key lessons on the capabilities of a CBDC in supporting multiple online and offline … Read more

Rwandan Research Paper Recommends CBDC With ‘Partial Pseudo-Anonymity’

A recent research paper from the National Bank of Rwanda recommends a two-tier, universal, zero-interest central bank digital currency (CBDC) with partial pseudo-anonymity. Although the research paper identifies 15 opportunities for CBDC, only four are said to offer “high potential benefits and limited alternative choices to obtain similar advantages.” Research Paper Identifies 15 CBDC Opportunities … Read more

ECB’s Joachim Nagel Urges Central Banks to Evolve: ‘We Need to Work on Our Business Model’

Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank and Member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB), has raised concerns about central banks’ business model. “If part of your core product is loosening attractiveness then you have to think about another new core product,” he stressed. ‘We Need to Speed up on All … Read more

India Working on Offline Transferability of Digital Rupee, Says Central Bank Governor

India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is in the process of making its central bank digital currency (CBDC) available without relying on internet access. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has emphasized the importance of ensuring the digital rupee’s ease of use. RBI Governor Updates Digital Rupee Progress During an event hosted by the … Read more

Mauritania Central Bank Partners With Giesecke+Devrient to Develop a National CBDC

The Central Bank of Mauritania (CBM) has partnered with Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) to develop and launch a digital version of the national currency. The Germany-based security technology firm is expected to assist the CBM in outlining the prerequisites for a national Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Outlining Prerequisites for a Central Bank Digital Currency The Central … Read more

Bank of Russia Supports Cryptocurrency Usage for International Settlements

The Bank of Russia has announced that it will support accelerating the adoption of cryptocurrency payments for international settlements. According to Elvira Nabiullina, governor of the Bank of Russia, these crypto-based payments must be launched in a sandbox-style experimental regime. In contrast, payments with national digital assets will be launched without similar precautions. Bank of … Read more

Russian Central Bank Chief: Mass Adoption of Digital Ruble Expected in 5 to 7 Years

Elvira Nabiullina, head of the Russian central bank, has stated that the mass launch of the digital ruble will take five to seven years. This appears to contradict recent suggestions by the chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Financial Market that the launch will begin next year. No Decision Before 2025 Elvira Nabiullina, … Read more