40+ Financial Firms Join Project Agorá to Enhance Cross-Border Payments Using Tokenization
More than 40 private sector financial firms have joined forces with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and a consortium of leading central banks in Project Agorá, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing wholesale cross-border payments through tokenization. The project is being facilitated by the Institute of International Finance (IIF) and represents a significant step […]
New UK Law Grants Legal Protection to Digital Assets such as Cryptocurrency and NFTs
In a historic move, the UK government last week introduced the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill to Parliament, which for the first time, recognises digital holdings as personal property under British law. This milestone legislation will cover a range of digital assets, including cryptocurrency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) such as digital art, and carbon credits. The […]
Enryo Consulting Joins the Digital Pound Foundation to Help Advance the UK’s Payments Landscape
We are delighted to announce the addition of Enryo Consulting to the Digital Pound Foundation (DPF) as Associate Members. Enryo also plans to take an active part in supporting the work of the DPF’s Use Case Working Group. Founded in 2020, Enryo Consulting supports the financial services industry as it navigates times of change, Enryo […]
Accenture Invests in Fintech Firm EMTECH to Support Central Bank Modernisation
Accenture, a member of the Digital Pound Foundation, has announced its investment in EMTECH, a global financial technology company that provides software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms to assist central banks in streamlining and modernising their operations. The investment, made through Accenture Ventures, aims to bolster EMTECH’s mission of transforming central banks’ financial and technological infrastructures, enabling them […]
Russia’s Largest Bank, Sberbank, Set to Launch Digital Rouble CBDC Operations in Early 2025
Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, has announced plans to commence operations with clients using digital roubles in early 2025. The move marks a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to integrate digital currency into its financial system, as part of a broader initiative led by the Central Bank of Russia. Anatoly Popov, Deputy Chairman of […]
New members join the Board of Directors as the Digital Pound Foundation continues to grow
The Digital Pound Foundation (DPF) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Directors to its Board. Thomas Hawkins, who will represent Accenture, and Lee A. Schneider, an Originating Member of the Digital Pound Foundation, both join the Board with immediate effect. Thomas Hawkins is EMEA Lead for Digital Assets, Digital Currencies and Tokenisation […]
Banking Circle Unveils EU’s First Bank-Backed MiCA-Compliant Stablecoin
Banking Circle S.A., a forward-thinking payments bank, has launched EURI, a new stablecoin pegged to the Euro that is fully compliant with the newly implemented Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA). This launch marks a significant milestone as EURI becomes the first bank-backed stablecoin regulated under MiCA in the European Union (EU). EURI’s introduction follows […]
Chavanette Advisors join the Digital Pound Foundation membership community
We are excited to announce the addition of Chavanette Advisors to the Digital Pound Foundation as Associate Members. Chavanette is a recognised thought leader in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), regulated stablecoins, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Chavanette collaborates closely with Central Banks, monetary authorities, commercial banks and private organisations to design, implement, and drive […]
MetaMask, Mastercard, and Baanx Unveil New Crypto Payment Card
MetaMask, in partnership with Mastercard and Baanx (Crypto Life), has launched the pilot of the MetaMask Card. This innovative Mastercard payment card allows users to make direct purchases using the crypto in their MetaMask wallets, wherever Mastercard is accepted. Lorenzo Santos, Senior Product Manager at Consensys, commented on the launch, stating, “The MetaMask Card pilot […]
Apple Announces New NFC Functionality: A Boost to Crypto and Stablecoin Payments?
Apple will soon allow developers to integrate NFC contactless transactions directly within their apps using the Secure Element, independent of Apple Pay and Wallet. Starting with iOS 18.1, this new capability will open avenues for cryptocurrency payments, digital IDs, and more within apps. Leveraging advanced security features like the Secure Enclave and biometric authentication, this […]
