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 […]
Brazil’s Drex CBDC pilot enters second phase with focus on privacy and interoperability
The Central Bank of Brazil has opened applications for phase two of its Drex central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot project. Between 14th October and 29th November, businesses can submit proposals, particularly those that can be implemented using smart contracts. While no official launch date for Drex has been confirmed, Fábio Araújo, the Drex coordinator […]
Ripple Payments Debuts in Brazil Through Strategic Partnership with Mercado Bitcoin
Ripple, a leader in digital asset infrastructure, has partnered with Mercado Bitcoin to introduce its Ripple Payments solution in Brazil, marking its debut in the Latin American market. Mercado Bitcoin, the region’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, will be the first in Brazil to utilise Ripple’s end-to-end payments solution. This technology enables businesses to leverage blockchain for […]
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 […]
Central Bank of Brazil Reveals Projects Selected for Second Phase of Drex CBDC Pilot Testing
The Central Bank of Brazil, in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, has announced a list of 13 selected themes for the second phase of the Drex CBDC Pilot platform. These themes were chosen from 42 use case proposals and mark the next step in testing the implementation of financial services using smart contracts. […]
MercadoLibre’s Fintech Arm Unveils Dollar-Backed Stablecoin in Brazil
MercadoLibre’s financial technology subsidiary, Mercado Pago, has launched its own U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin in Brazil, marking a significant expansion of its cryptocurrency offerings in the country. The stablecoin, named Meli Dolar, is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a one-to-one ratio and is now available for trading by all Mercado Pago clients via the fintech’s […]
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 […]
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 […]
