The Bank of Russia has explained that the launch of the digital ruble, the Russian CBDC, will not affect the state’s mechanisms to control inflation or the amount of money issued. The institution clarified that the new currency does not pose risks to the country’s financial stability, and will not change the functions of the […]
Central Bank of Tanzania to Hoard 20% of Total Gold Exports
The Central Bank of Tanzania will purchase 20% of all the gold directed for exports as the country prepares to diversify its reserves. The movement is seen as a reaction to the current acceleration of gold prices, with Tanzania aiming to amass at least 6 tones of gold this financial year. Mining Regulator in Tanzania […]
Nigerian Currency Plunges After Central Bank Rate Hike
The Nigerian Naira weakened significantly against the U.S. dollar following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to hike interest rates for the fifth time this year. The naira dropped to NGN1,658 per dollar on the official foreign exchange market after the CBN increased the benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points. On the parallel […]
Nigeria’s Central Bank Raises Benchmark Rate by 50 Basis Points
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 50 basis points to 27.25% and increased the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) for banks. These measures aim to combat inflation and stabilize the Nigerian economy. The CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, stated that the reforms implemented have restored the bank’s credibility and boosted […]
Zimbabwe’s Central Bank to Shield Gold-Backed Currency From Market Volatility
Zimbabwe’s central bank governor, John Mushayavanhu, has stated that the bank might use its foreign currency reserves to protect the Zimbabwe Gold (zig) from severe market disruptions. He also pledged to maintain a tight monetary policy to ensure stable inflation and exchange rates. The zig, a gold-backed currency, has experienced a decline in value against […]
Central Reserve Bank: Only 1.1% of Remittances Involve Cryptocurrency in El Salvador
The adoption of cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, for remittances has failed to surge in El Salvador, even with the support of President Nayib Bukele’s administration. According to data provided by the Central Reserve Bank, only 1.1% of all remittances sent to the country from January to August 2024 include cryptocurrency. Report: Adoption for Remittances Reach Only […]
Bank of Canada Redirects Efforts Away From Retail CBDC
The Bank of Canada has announced a strategic shift away from developing a retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to focus on broader payments system research and policy development. This decision follows a public consultation in 2023, which revealed significant privacy concerns among Canadians. While the central bank remains open to revisiting the idea of […]
Bank of Korea to Launch CBDC Payment Trial in Supermarkets
South Korea’s central bank, the Bank of Korea, will soon allow participants to use digital tokens for payments at supermarkets and convenience stores in a central bank digital currency (CBDC) trial. Starting in December, 100,000 participants will be part of this test. Retail partnerships and global initiatives like Project Agora highlight the broader impact of […]
Boerse Stuttgart Digital, DZ Bank Expand Crypto Access to 700 German Banks
Boerse Stuttgart Digital is collaborating with DZ Bank to bring secure cryptocurrency trading and storage to over 700 cooperative banks across Germany. The move marks a significant step toward mainstream crypto adoption in Europe, with banks now offering regulated crypto services to retail customers. This collaboration will help meet the growing demand for digital assets, […]
Australian Central Bank Prioritizes Wholesale CBDC
The Australian Central Bank is focusing on a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) due to its potential economic benefits compared to a retail CBDC. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has launched Project Acacia, a three-year plan to explore wholesale CBDC opportunities. While the RBA and Treasury could still consider a retail CBDC, a […]
DBS Bank to Launch OTC Crypto Options Trading for Institutional Clients in Q4 2024
DBS Bank, Singapore’s largest bank, has announced plans to launch over-the-counter (OTC) crypto options trading and structured notes for institutional clients in Q4 2024. This new offering will allow institutional investors to gain exposure to bitcoin and ethereum, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The initiative aims to provide sophisticated tools for managing digital […]
Russian Central Bank Eyes Digital Currency to Overcome Cross-Border Payment Obstacles
Elvira Nabiullina, head of Russia’s central bank, has highlighted challenges in cross-border settlements, including payment issues and falling trade volumes. She emphasized the importance of finding new solutions, such as using digital currencies and cooperating with global partners, to address these issues. Russia Faces Cross-Border Payment Issues Amid Declining Trade Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira […]
Bank of Russia to Launch Digital Ruble Payment Infrastructure by July 2025
The Bank of Russia aims to open the payment infrastructure for the Russian central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, by July next year. Larger banks will offer digital ruble accounts and services by this deadline, with smaller institutions following later. The initiative seeks to enhance payment efficiency and reduce costs, with retailers also […]
Indian Court Bars Police From Freezing Entire Bank Accounts in Crypto Fraud Probes
An Indian High Court has ruled that police cannot freeze entire bank accounts during fraud investigations. Only fraud-related amounts in bank accounts can be frozen. The decision followed a case where an account was frozen due to a cryptocurrency investigation. The court stressed that freezing accounts entirely disrupts livelihoods and called on investigative agencies to […]
Nigerian Agency Gets Nod to Freeze $330,000 in Crypto Users’ Bank Accounts
A Nigerian anti-corruption agency froze bank accounts (over $ 330,000) belonging to suspected cryptocurrency users on global platforms like Kucoin and Bybit. The agency believes these users manipulated the Nigerian currency (naira) through their trading activity. The exchanges are also accused of failing to adhere to anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations. Bank Account …