Guangzhou Unveils CBDC Action Plan to Boost Adoption and Innovation
The Office of the Financial Committee of the CPC Guangzhou Municipal Committee has issued a comprehensive action plan to further promote the use of the digital renminbi (RMB) in the city. The “Action Plan for Further Promoting Digital RMB Work in Guangzhou” aims to strengthen the digital currency’s role in enhancing the local economy and […]
China Enhances CBDC Offline Wallet with Touch, Visual, and Scan Capabilities
China has consistently prioritised inclusivity in its development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). With the digital RMB, or eCNY, the country aims to make the currency accessible to those who may lack smartphones or experience unreliable internet connectivity. This inclusivity is particularly important for elderly users and tourists who might prefer not to […]
China’s Digital Yuan CBDC Gains Momentum with Huawei and IATA Integrations
In a significant leap for China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital yuan is now finding integration across diverse sectors, from mobile operating systems to global aviation. Huawei has embedded the digital yuan directly into its Harmony OS, allowing seamless in-app payments with the CBDC, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced […]
China Reports Rapid Growth for Digital Yuan: 180 Million Wallets and 7 Trillion Yuan in CBDC Transactions
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has reported notable progress in the adoption of its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital yuan, with 180 million individual wallets opened as of 31 July, according to local media reports on 11 October. The CBDC has facilitated transactions amounting to over 7.3 trillion yuan (£1 trillion) across […]
Project mBridge Enters MVP Phase and Welcomes New Member: Central Bank of Saudi Arabia
The mBridge cross-border central bank digital currency (CBDC) project has advanced to the minimum viable product (MVP) stage, the initial production phase. This initiative, a collaboration between the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub and the central banks of China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the UAE, recently welcomed the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia […]
From Pilot to Policy: The Accelerated Adoption of Digital Currencies in MENA
A significant focus has been placed on the development of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, highlighting the UAE’s strides in digital currency integration. A recent EY report outlined the UAE Central Bank’s ongoing efforts to incorporate the digital Dirham, inviting commercial banks and payment processors to […]
Free Transactions: A Hurdle for China’s Digital Currency Adoption?
The adoption of China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), known as the digital renminbi (RMB), is said to be facing challenges for not having merchant fees. Unlike payment services like WeChat Pay and Alipay, the digital RMB doesn’t incur transaction fees for merchants, which initially seems beneficial. However, this lack of fees discourages point of […]
Shenzhen Welcomes Businesses with Benefits to its Digital Yuan Industrial Park
Companies across various sectors – from industrial firms, fintechs, commercial banks, to startups – that decide to set up shop in Shenzhen’s newly inaugurated digital yuan industrial zone will enjoy a suite of perks. These include settlement payments ranging from 500,000 to 50m yuan (roughly US$6.8m), up to three years of rent-free tenure, and loans […]
PetroChina Marks a Milestone with International Crude Oil Trade via Digital Yuan
In a historic move that showcases the evolving landscape of international trade and finance, PetroChina, a leading Chinese oil and gas firm, completed its first international crude oil transaction using the digital yuan. This pioneering transaction was highlighted in a report by China Daily on Saturday. PetroChina, stepping into uncharted territories, acquired a whopping 1 […]
Asian Games Prompt China to Enhance Digital Yuan Features for Hong Kong Visitors
In the run-up to the Asian Games, China has unveiled two enhancements to its central bank digital currency (CBDC). These changes facilitate Hong Kong travellers to replenish their digital yuan wallets via Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System, as well as through Visa or Mastercard accounts. Although integration efforts between Hong Kong and the digital RMB […]
