OMFIF Study Urges Central Banks to Move Forward with CBDCs

A new report from the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) calls for decisive action from central banks on the issuance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Titled CBDCs: It’s Time for Action, the study argues that hesitancy over implementation risks delaying crucial innovations in financial inclusion, resilience, and monetary sovereignty. The findings underscore […]
Forbes: How Stripe and Stablecoins Are Reshaping Remote Work for a Global Workforce

In the rapidly evolving landscape of remote work, innovative payment solutions are playing a pivotal role in reshaping how businesses operate globally. A recent Forbes article titled “How Stripe and Stablecoins Are Rewiring Remote Work” delves into this transformation, highlighting the convergence of fintech innovations and decentralized finance (DeFi) in streamlining cross-border transactions. The Rise […]
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 […]