CENTRAL BANK
RBI and Central Bank of UAE sign MOU on CBDC bridge
The Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of UAE have signed an MOU to collaborate on CBDC interoperability, specifically for the development of a CBDC bridge to facilitate remittances and trade.
South Dakota Governor Vetoes Bill Excluding Cryptocurrencies from State's Definition of Money
Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota has vetoed House Bill 1193, which sought to exclude cryptocurrencies from the state's definition of money. The governor believes that the bill would put South Dakota at a disadvantage and potentially lead to future overreach from the federal government in issuing a digital dollar.
Nigerian President-elect's Manifesto Includes Blockchain and Crypto Regulations
Nigerian President-elect Bola Tinubu has released a manifesto proposing the implementation of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Nigeria's banking and finance sector. The manifesto suggests reforming existing Nigerian Security Exchange Commission regulations to create a more business-friendly framework for regulating digital assets. The proposed regulations would require digital asset companies to register with the SEC and comply with SEC regulations. The release of the manifesto coincides with the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies in Nigeria, with the government hoping that the proposed SEC regulation reforms will attract more investors in the digital and economic sectors and stimulate economic growth.
Iran Completes Pre-Pilot Phase for Digital Rial
Iran's central bank has completed a pre-pilot phase for its digital rial, according to an official statement by the Monetary and Banking Research Institute. The CBDC will align with the rules governing the national currency, the Iranian rial, and be distributed among individuals and banks. Ten banks have applied to join the project, and all banks and credit institutions in Iran are expected to start offering electronic wallets for the digital currency.
India tests offline functionality of digital rupee
The Reserve Bank of India is testing the offline functionality of its recently launched digital rupee, which has completed 800,000 transactions worth $134 million since its wholesale segment pilot launched on Nov. 1, 2022.
UK lacks expertise for central bank digital currency
UK is unlikely to issue a central bank digital currency (CBDC) as the Bank of England lacks the necessary technical skills, according to Jon Cunliffe, the deputy governor. The BoE plans to partner with the private sector to test a digital pound in a simulated environment, with the aim of gaining the required expertise to develop a working prototype.
G20 To Establish Standards For Global Crypto Regulatory Framework
The Financial Stability Board, IMF, and BIS will propose worldwide crypto regulations.
The IMF Releases a Report on Jordan Preparations for a Central Bank
The IMF published a technical analysis on Jordan's retail central bank digital currency.
IMF Urges Countries to Consider Banning Cryptocurrencies
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen underlined the need for effective cryptocurrency regulation.
The Fed Rejects Custodia Bank's Membership Application
The Fed rejected cryptocurrency-focused Custodia Bank membership again, citing "sound banking operations."