BIS Departure from mBridge: A Strategic Exit or a Political Move?
Last week, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) announced its exit from the mBridge cross-border payments project, a significant initiative in the field of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Agustín Carstens, BIS General Manager, confirmed the decision at the Santander International Banking Conference, attributing the move to the project’s progress rather than political pressures or […]
Stripe Acquires Stablecoin Platform Bridge for $1.1 Billion, Signalling Major Step into Digital Assets
In a landmark acquisition, Stripe, the global payments processor, has acquired stablecoin platform Bridge for $1.1 billion. This acquisition, confirmed by Stripe and Bridge, marks Stripe’s largest acquisition to date and one of the most significant in the cryptocurrency sector. Bridge, founded by entrepreneurs Sean Yu and Zach Abrams, has emerged as a prominent software […]
Avalanche Expands Crypto Utility with Launch of Visa-Backed ‘Avalanche Card’
Avalanche has announced the launch of the Avalanche Card, a crypto-friendly payment solution designed to facilitate everyday spending of digital assets like WAVAX, USDC, and sAVAX. The card, powered by Rain Liquidity, allows users to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted, with the convenience of both physical and virtual cards. Initially available to residents in […]
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 […]
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 […]
Tether Announces Development of UAE Dirham-Pegged Stablecoin
In a significant move within the digital asset industry, Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, has unveiled plans to introduce a new stablecoin pegged to the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). This announcement marks a strategic collaboration between Tether, the UAE’s multi-billion dollar tech conglomerate, Phoenix Group PLC, and Green Acorn Investments Ltd. The Dirham-pegged […]
Unlocking the Potential of Web3 in Financial Services | Poundcast Episode 18
In episode 18 of the Poundcast, we welcome Rita Martins, author of the book “Web3 in Financial Services: How Blockchain, Digital Assets and Crypto are Disrupting Traditional Finance”. Rita discusses her career journey from consulting roles at Accenture and HSBC to her current focus on blockchain technology in finance. During this episode, Rita elaborates on […]
BIS Release Results of Survey on CBDCs and Cryptocurrency
94% of central banks are actively exploring the development of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), and the results from an extensive survey performed by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) involving 86 central banks highlights a significant increase in experiments and pilot programmes, particularly in advanced economies, with a notable rise in activity among […]
How Star Wars and Star Trek Got The Future of Money So Wrong! | Poundcast Episode 17
In episode 17 of the Poundcast, we are thrilled to host technologist and thought leader Dave Birch. With a rich background in secure communications and financial services, Dave shares his insights on the evolution of money from physical forms to digital assets. We delve into the historical context of money, discuss the role of digital […]
Insights from Ripple’s President: SEC Battles, Payment Innovations, and Stablecoins
In a recent episode of ‘The Scoop Podcast’ by The Block, Monica Long, President of Ripple, offered a detailed discussion about the strategic movements of Ripple, especially in relation to XRP and the company’s new venture into stablecoins. Monica Long elaborated on how the clarity obtained from last July’s U.S. court decision—which confirmed XRP is […]