Central Banking


Markets

Central Banks See 'No Value' in Issuing Digital Currency: BIS Chief

BIS chief Agustin Carstens has said that central banks are wary about issuing digital currencies due to the "huge operational consequences."

Agustín Carstens

Markets

Blockchain Startups Are Modernizing Iran's Financial Infrastructure

Sources in Iran say the country's financial sector is taking clear steps toward a state-backed token economy.

Tehran iran money changer

Markets

Korean Central Bank Study: Issuing Digital Currency Poses Financial Risk

A Bank of Korea study concluded that a central bank digital currency could adversely affect commercial banks and ultimately financial stability.

Bank of Korea

Markets

Saudi Arabia, UAE Aim to Cut Payments Costs With Common Digital Currency

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are hoping a shared digital currency can cut remittance costs between the two countries.

Saudi banknote

Markets

Bitcoin's Proof-of-Work Algorithm Needs Replacing, Argues BIS Study

The proof-of-work algorithm used by bitcoin and some other cryptos is not viable in the long term, argues a Bank for International Settlements study.

BIS headquarters in Basel

Markets

South Africa’s Central Bank Proposes Rules for Crypto Companies

Crypto exchanges and wallet providers would have to register with regulators under rules proposed by South Africa’s central bank.

Cape Town City Hall

Markets

Africa Needs Open Currency Competition. It Needs Cryptocurrency

Africa's various currency crises illustrate why cryptocurrency innovation shouldn't be stifled, says economic analyst Terence Zimwara.

Zimbabwean banknote

Markets

The Era of Central Bank Digital Currencies Is Within Reach

A phased roll-out of a central bank digital currency is not only possible, but may be what certain regions need, says R3's research lead.

Piggy banks

Markets

ECB Official Calls Bitcoin 'Evil Spawn of the Financial Crisis'

ECB executive board member Benoît Cœuré has discussed potential uses for blockchain at central banks, but he's really not keen on bitcoin.

CoinDesk placeholder image

Markets

IMF Chief Calls for Exploration of Digital Currencies

Christine Lagarde, head of the IMF, encouraged the exploration of central bank digital currencies in a speech on Wednesday.

ECB President Christine Lagarde (Alexandros Michailidis/Shutterstock)