European Central Bank’s CBDC Borrows Bitcoin’s Pseudo-Anonymity

On December 17, the European Central Bank (ECB) published a report that showcased its blockchain technology proof-of-concept. One particular feature the central bank digital chain holds is the ability to issue “anonymity vouchers.” Also read: Lagarde Sees Demand for Stablecoins, Plans to Put ECB ‘Ahead of the Curve’ ECB Report Explores Anonymity in Central Bank … Read more

Bailouts From Asia to the EU Signal Recession and Potential Crypto Opportunity

China’s Hengfeng Bank is set to get a $14.2 billion bailout from both Chinese government and foreign investors. An emergency decree has been approved to bail out southern Italy’s biggest lender, Banca Popular di Bari. Germany continues to struggle with bailout pains, as regional bank Nordlb finds itself now depending on another capital injection. None … Read more

Regulatory Roundup: Crypto ‘Inevitable’ in India, China Rankings, NY Streamlines Policy

In this regulatory roundup, we cover a positive crypto story in India, China’s year-end rankings, and the European Central Bank entering the stablecoin race. We also cover the New York regulator’s proposed Bitlicense revision — the first in five years — and several other notable regulatory developments in the crypto space. Also read: Regulatory Roundup … Read more

German Banks Increasingly Charging Retail Clients Negative Interest Rates

A growing number of banks in Germany are charging retail customers negative interest rates, starting with the very first euro deposited into their accounts. At least three German banks are reportedly doing so, with more expected to follow suit in the near future. As the European Central Bank maintains a negative rate policy, more banks … Read more

The Country With Europe’s Highest Interest Rate Has Cut It 5 Times This Year

Around half of European countries, over 20, now have 0% interest rates and a few are already in negative territory. Ukraine, which has the highest benchmark interest rate on the continent, has just reduced it again, for the fifth time this year. The race between central banks to cut rates, when there is inflation, has … Read more

Lagarde Sees Demand for Stablecoins, Plans to Put ECB ‘Ahead of the Curve’

At her first press conference as head of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde outlined her plans to lead the ECB “ahead of the curve” in the field of digital currency. “There is clearly a demand out there that we have to respond to,” she said, referring to stablecoins. Also read: Regulatory Roundup – … Read more

ECB Nominee Blames Resistance to Negative Rates on Financial Illiteracy

European Central Bank (ECB) executive board nominee and member of the German Council of Economic Experts, Isabel Schnabel, recently remarked at a European Parliament hearing that “This scapegoating [of the ECB] is extremely dangerous: it may damage the trust in the euro.” Schnabel was speaking out in defense of negative deposit rates being employed as … Read more

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