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China-backed Blockchain Project Proposes SWIFT Alternative for Stablecoins and CBDCs
23.1.2023
The company developing China’s blockchain network wants to create a system for international settlements with stablecoins and state-issued digital currencies. The plan is to establish a platform facilitating the use of these two fiat-based digital assets in foreign trade. Company Behind...
Aussie 'Big 4' bank mints stablecoin for carbon trading and remittances
19.1.2023
This marks the second "Big 4" bank in Australia to launch an Australian-dollar pegged stablecoin in a bid to boost the digital economy
PayPal Xoom adds cross-border remittance on debit card deposit
13.1.2023
PayPal’s cross-border remittance service called Xoom partnered with Visa Direct to allow debit card holders to receive funds within minutes
Russia to begin work on CBDC settlement system in Q1 as sanctions endure: Report
10.1.2023
The country's central bank will begin studying two possible cross-border CBDC settlement models this quarter
Bank of Russia to Test International Crypto Payments With Companies
21.12.2022
The Central Bank of Russia plans to use cryptocurrency for cross-border payments in trials with private companies, a member of its top management has revealed. The testing will be conducted under a special legal regime that’s currently under development. Russia’s Central Bank to Explore Crypto...
Bitcoin Lightning Network to be used in fiat transfers between EU and Africa
12.12.2022
CoinCorner and Bitnob teamed up to create cross-border transactions between the UK and Europe to Africa via the Bitcoin Lightning Network
Strike Launches Bitcoin Lightning Network-Enabled Money Transfers to Africa
7.12.2022
United States-based users of Strike, a digital payments platform built on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, can now transfer funds instantly and at a low cost to Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria via the recently added new feature known as “Send Globally.” The new feature instantly converts...
Remittances to Low and Middle Income Countries in 2022 Up by 5% to $626 Billion — Latest World Bank Report
7.12.2022
Despite the headwinds that have dominated the year, remittances to low and middle-income countries in 2022 still grew by 5% to $626 billion, the World Bank Migration and Development Brief has said. Africa, where the cost of sending $200 averaged 7.8% in 2022, is the “most severely exposed...
Putin Calls for International Settlements Based on Blockchain and Digital Currencies
27.11.2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes a new system for international money transfers is needed to reduce dependence on big banks and third parties. He is convinced that cross-border payments relying on digital currency and distributed ledger technology will be “much more convenient.” Russia’s...
Banks still show interest in digital assets and DeFi amid market chaos
18.11.2022
Traditional financial institutions continue to demonstrate use cases for digital asset support, along with DeFi capabilities, despite current market conditions
FTX Collapse: African Crypto Industry Leaders’ Perspective and Advice to Regulators
16.11.2022
The collapse of FTX and subsequent calls for tougher regulation by the likes of U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren have increased the likelihood of regulators adopting even stricter crypto laws. In Africa, crypto industry participants warn of the unintended consequences arising from rushed...
Russian IT Firms Lobby for Crypto Payments in Software Exports
11.11.2022
Companies developing software solutions for foreign customers are urging Russian authorities to allow them to accept crypto payments. The proposal is part of a package of measures aimed at supporting IT exports suggested by an industry organization to the executive power in Moscow. IT Businesses...
Bank of Thailand Needs More Time to Complete and Launch Retail Digital Currency
31.10.2022
The central bank of Thailand is not going to rush with the launch of its digital currency as it’s not yet sure about the benefits it would bring. According to the head of the monetary authority, the development of the state-issued coin may take several years. Thailand’s Central Bank Wants to Better...
SWIFT action: JPMorgan and Visa team on cross-border blockchain payments
12.10.2022
Visa is set to integrate its B2B connect network with JPMorgan’s suit of blockchain based cross-border payment products
Russian Companies Are Using Crypto in Trade Despite Lack of Regulation, Officials Admit
10.10.2022
With limited access to global finances, Russian businesses have begun settling in cryptocurrency with their partners abroad. Although these are still small-scale payments, government officials have noted their increase, which comes even before authorities have decided how to regulate these...
Despite Accounting for 2% of Global Activity, Sub-Saharan Africa Has ‘Some of the Most Well-Developed Cryptocurrency Markets of Any Region’: Report
30.9.2022
According to a recent Chainalysis report, although Sub-Saharan Africa is believed to account for as little as 2% of global transaction activity, the area “contains some of the most well-developed cryptocurrency markets of any region.” Additionally, Sub-Saharan Africa’s...
China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and UAE Trial Cross-Border Transactions With Digital Currencies
29.9.2022
The monetary authorities of four jurisdictions in Asia have carried out tests with international settlements using state-issued digital currencies. Cross-border payments and foreign exchange transactions totaling over $22 million were made as part of the pilot project with the participation of...
Settlements With China — Russia Plans Next Step for Digital Ruble
28.9.2022
Russia intends to use its digital ruble, to be introduced early next year, for payments with its key ally, China. Authorities in Moscow hope other nations will be willing to adopt the Russian digital currency in trade, which will allow the country to circumvent sanctions imposed over the Ukraine...
BIS marks CBDC pilot as 'successful' with $22M transacted
28.9.2022
Over $12 million in value was issued in the pilot with commercial and central banks in Hong Kong, Thailand, the UAE and China taking part
Russian Exchanges Ready to Launch International Crypto Payments, Lawmaker Reveals
27.9.2022
The largest exchanges in Russia are ready to begin operating with cryptocurrencies right after authorities legalize cross-border settlements in crypto, according to a leading member of the Russian parliament. The stock and commodity trading platforms in Moscow and St. Petersburg are working...