PayPal Expands Crypto Services to U.S. Merchants
PayPal Holdings, Inc. has announced a new development for its U.S. merchants: business accounts can now directly buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrency through their PayPal accounts. However, businesses in New York State are excluded at this initial launch. This latest move underscores PayPal’s commitment to broadening cryptocurrency accessibility and utility among its vast network of […]
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 […]
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 […]
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse Confirms Imminent Launch of RLUSD Stablecoin
Ripple Labs is on the verge of launching its much-anticipated US-dollar pegged stablecoin. Brad Garlinghouse, the company’s CEO, confirmed the imminent release of the token, dubbed Ripple USD (RLUSD), at the Korea Blockchain Week event today. According to Garlinghouse, the stablecoin is set to debut in just a matter of weeks, significantly sooner than initially […]
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 […]
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 […]
Ripple Commences Beta Testing of USD-Backed Stablecoin on XRP Ledger
Ripple has begun beta testing its new stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD), on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum mainnet. The stablecoin, backed 1:1 by US dollar reserves, is aimed at enhancing liquidity, driving institutional use, and supporting cross-border payments. Currently undergoing rigorous testing by enterprise partners, RLUSD is not yet available for purchase or trading. […]
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 […]
Exploring Ripple’s New Stablecoin and Its Impact on the XRP Ledger, with David Schwartz and Monica Long
In the latest episode of Block Stars, Ripple CTO David Schwarz engages in a comprehensive discussion with Ripple President Monica Long about the company’s strategic entry into the stablecoin market. Monica, a Ripple veteran since 2013, shares her insights on the company’s evolution and the significance of launching their own stablecoin to meet the rising […]
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 […]
