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 […]
Tether Establishes New Headquarters in El Salvador, Bolstering Emerging Markets Focus
Today’s leading stablecoin issuer, Tether, is in the final stages of relocating its operations to El Salvador, following the successful acquisition of a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) license. This move is seen by the company as an important step in Tether’s ongoing efforts to support the adoption of digital currencies, placing the company in […]
2025 Could Be a Turning Point for Central Bank Digital Currencies: OMFIF
A new report by OMFIF, in partnership with Giesecke+Devrient, is set to explore the factors contributing to central banks’ hesitation about launching central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). This research highlights the ongoing progress in CBDC development globally, despite some central banks still being undecided about issuance. As more research and experimentation continue, 2025 could see […]
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 […]
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 […]
