China Takes Another Step Away From USD Hegemony

The China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS) announced that effective January 1, 2020, the system “will adjust weights for CFETS RMB Index,” decreasing the weighting of the USD for the second time in the currency basket’s history from 22.40% to 21.59%, and increasing the Euro from 16.34% to 17.40%. The change could signal further disassociation … Read more

Regulatory Roundup: New US Crypto Bill, France’s 1st Approved ICO, Muslim Crypto

In this roundup, we cover a wide range of regulatory developments in the crypto space. Much has transpired in the U.S., including a new crypto bill, SEC’s proposal, lawmakers seeking answers from the IRS, and the state of Michigan signing several crypto bills into law. We also cover France’s first-approved initial coin offering, a proposal … Read more

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

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