Cryptocurrency
FCA takes over crypto asset supervision
UK firms must register with regulator to comply with anti-money laundering rules
RBA: stablecoins must wait until framework in place
Australian central bank says it may step up CBDC research efforts this year
ECB paper offers tiering solution to CBDC structural concerns
Separating CBDC functions could disincentivise use during crisis, but disintermediation of banking sector still a risk
Bahamas rolls out first phase of CBDC pilot
Pilot will extend to rest of country after June, says governor Rolle, depending on Exuma and Abaco case studies
Eurochain: CBDC project seeks secure anonymity
Proof of concept blends anonymity with AML/CFT regulation
Riksbank to work with Accenture on e-krona pilot
First year will see development of user interface for mobile, card and watch-based payments
CBDC talk has been “overhyped” – former RBI deputy
Focus on retail CBDCs is potential distraction from core central banking functions, says Sinha
LMAX: bitcoin to break $30,000 in 2020
Exchange head David Mercer foresees more transparent market, freed of “pariah” of last look
Central banks should collaborate on multicurrency CBDC – research
Lithuania’s central bank notes national CBDC projects will not solve global payment inefficiencies
New ‘currency’ aims to tackle failings of predecessors
Saga sits between a stablecoin and crypto asset, designed by a team including former central bankers
OKEx expands crypto derivatives offering
Malta-based digital asset exchange upgrades trading architecture, with eye on futures and options trading
Banque de France to launch CBDC experiments in 2020
De Galhau says new directorate will consider using wholesale CBDC for tokenised asset transactions
Avelacom adds multi-cloud connectivity for crypto traders
Direct links set up in each location “jump” from points of presence to a cloud in under a millisecond
Focus on cross-border payments, not CBDC – Bundesbank
German central bank board member says prioritise “fast and efficient” payment network over digital currency
Singapore may allow trading in bitcoin-based derivatives
MAS opens consultation on proposal to allow trading of “payment token derivatives”
Interest-bearing CBDCs could solve welfare trade-off – IMF paper
Making CBDCs interest-bearing would avoid dangers to cash use or bank deposits
Crypto assets may force central banks into policy synchronisation
Paper examines the impact a global crypto asset would have on the “impossible trinity”
Afme calls for pan-European crypto-asset taxonomy
Industry body urges EU lawmakers and stakeholders to become leaders in delivering common regulatory framework for digital assets
Benoît Coeuré to head BIS innovation hub unit
Senior ECB official is highly regarded for work on payments and has warned of need for change
Singapore develops multi-currency blockchain network
Prototype developed in tandem with JP Morgan and Temasek enables payments to be carried out in different currencies
PBoC to rein in fintech firms after President Xi praises blockchain
Central bank will verify blockchain-compatible products in bid to ensure financial stability and curb speculation
ECB: Libra a “black hole” of legal certainty
But current global standards fit for purpose to underpin digital assets
Argentine central bank restricts crypto asset purchases
Central bank continues with measures to resist peso’s decline by curbing digital assets
AML deadline prompts FCA to warn crypto firms
Regulator says firms must not mislead customers about regulatory status and outlines deadline for registration