ChainCatcher news, according to The Block, Deutsche Bank-backed Taurus has expanded its digital asset custody and tokenization services to the Solana network.

ChainCatcher news, the think tank OMFIF conducted a latest survey on central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of the surveyed central banks intend to issue CBDCs. Among them, most (48% of respondents) plan to issue within five years, while 12% of respondents plan to issue within the next two years.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, the Japan Center for Economic Research (JCER) released its monthly survey on Thursday, showing that most economists surveyed expect the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates again in the second half of this year.The survey of 36 economists showed that 30 economists expect the Bank of Japan to stabilize interest rates at 0.5% in the first half of 2025. The remaining six expect rates to rise to 0.75% during this period. Twenty-eight economists predict an increase to 0.75% in the second half of this year. Among them, two economists expect rates to remain at 0.5%, while six economists believe rates will rise to 1%. These predictions are largely unchanged from the last survey, indicating that market bets on the timing of the next rate hike have not shifted significantly over the past month.

ChainCatcher news, according to Cointelegraph, the National Bank of Canada has purchased $2 million worth of Bitcoin ETF.

ChainCatcher news, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell stated that we do not want to hinder banks from providing services to legitimate customers using cryptocurrency. It is appropriate to ensure that we understand the associated risks when banks engage in cryptocurrency activities on their own. (Jin Shi)

ChainCatcher news, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell stated that many cryptocurrency-related activities can be conducted entirely within banks. (Jin Shi)

ChainCatcher news, PGIM Fixed Income stated in a report that the Bank of Japan may raise the benchmark interest rate by another 25 basis points this year. However, if Japanese consumers significantly increase their spending, the Bank of Japan may accelerate the pace of rate hikes. It noted that the Bank of Japan is approaching a nominal policy interest rate of around 2% through gradual rate increases, with the most recent hike raising the rate to the important psychological level of 0.5%. In the long term, PGIM believes that the Bank of Japan considers at least a nominal interest rate of 1% to be appropriate.

ChainCatcher News, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda stated that the Bank of Japan will appropriately implement monetary policy to achieve the 2% inflation target.

ChainCatcher news, according to The Wall Street Journal, Trump administration officials are discussing plans to consolidate banking regulatory agencies, potentially attempting to merge the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) into the Treasury Department without congressional approval, and combine its regulatory functions with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).The plan aims to reduce the power of banking regulatory agencies and increase the government's direct control over the financial industry. Previously, the Trump administration had taken action against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in an attempt to limit its influence.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell stated that we will never launch a central bank digital currency.

ChainCatcher news, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell stated that it is time to "revisit" the issue of de-banking, following criticism that the crypto industry is being excluded from banking services. During a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Tuesday, the committee's chairman, Tim Scott (R-S.C.), asked Powell if he would be willing to work with him to ensure that financial regulations do not "impose unnecessary burdens."Powell responded, "I commit to working with you, and we do strive to avoid overburdening. Frankly, I think it's fair to revisit the issue of de-banking." "We are not doing this intentionally, but sometimes regulation leads to certain outcomes, and we need to improve on that," Powell added. Scott also asked Powell if he would be willing to work with lawmakers to end the de-banking issue, to which Powell agreed.

ChainCatcher news, according to The Block, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey pointed out that Bitcoin and stablecoins require different regulatory measures, with higher regulatory thresholds for stablecoins. He also confirmed that central bank digital currency is still under research. On Tuesday, Bailey delivered a speech at the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago in London, discussing changes in financial markets and their impact on stability, while reflecting on potential changes in the global cryptocurrency regulatory environment, especially after Trump's election.Bailey stated that the cryptocurrency regulatory reform plan of the Trump administration is still unclear, while the Biden administration, particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), faces challenges in establishing a regulatory framework, opting instead to take action through the courts, which has created inconsistencies in the regulatory framework. In the UK, Bailey divides the cryptocurrency industry into two parts: cryptocurrencies not included in the banking system and stablecoins.He referred to the former as "pure investment risk" due to its high volatility, non-traditional currency status, and skepticism about its potential to become a currency. However, Bailey also mentioned that he understands people invest in cryptocurrencies in a portfolio manner after acknowledging the risks. Regarding stablecoins, Bailey believes they fulfill some functions of money, especially in payments, and have support, but stablecoins also exhibit characteristics of mutual funds, with insufficient transparency. Therefore, Bailey emphasized the need to establish reasonable regulatory standards, particularly in the payments sector, where stablecoins should be appropriately regulated like money.As for the potential central bank digital currency or "digital pound," Bailey stated that there are significant differences from stablecoins, and the Bank of England is collaborating with the UK government on research.

ChainCatcher message, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell stated that it is necessary to re-examine the issue of de-banking and will be committed to ending matters related to "de-banking."

ChainCatcher news, according to Jin10, quantum computing company QuEra Computing announced the completion of a financing round exceeding $230 million, with new investors including Google's quantum artificial intelligence division, SoftBank Vision Fund, and Valor Equity Partners.

ChainCatcher news, according to Jinshi reports, Bank of England Governor Bailey stated: "We do need to establish regulatory standards for stablecoins, and we need to set high standards."

ChainCatcher news, according to FTX creditor representative Sunil's analysis, if SBF had not filed for bankruptcy, the valuation of his assets could exceed $65 billion, which includes: 55 million Solana (approximately $11 billion), Anthropic ($4.2 billion), 890 million Sui tokens and equity ($3.2 billion), GDA investments (over $1.2 billion), K5 investments ($700 million, including $190 million in SpaceX), FTX business valuation (net income of $40 million corresponding to a valuation of $40 billion), and 280 million FTT tokens (approximately $5 billion).

ChainCatcher news, according to Jin Shi reports, Bank of America analysts stated that Trump's trade, fiscal, and immigration policy agenda is expected to trigger moderate inflation, and they predict that these changes will be reflected in inflation in the second half of 2025. They noted that any additional tariffs in the coming weeks could advance the timeline.They stated, "A key question is whether the policy changes will affect long-term inflation expectations." They added that market-based inflation indicators remain within historical ranges. Bank of America reiterated its position that the Federal Reserve's rate-cutting cycle has ended, with inflation "above target," and they expect both overall and core CPI to grow by 0.3% month-on-month in January. They wrote, "If our forecast for January CPI is correct, then the rationale for the Federal Reserve to remain on hold will be further strengthened."

ChainCatcher news, according to Jin Shi reports, Bank of England monetary policy committee member Mann stated that she supported a significant interest rate cut of 50 basis points last week because she believes that as consumers reduce spending, businesses find it difficult to raise prices.Mann indicated that the demand situation is much weaker than before, which suggests that further easing of policy may be needed, as weak pricing power will seep into lower inflation. Mann was originally one of the most "hawkish" members, having opposed rate cuts last year due to ongoing inflation risks. But now she says the situation looks different. "To some extent, we can convey what we think is the appropriate financial condition for the UK economy; in my view, a larger (rate cut) move is a better means of communication," Mann stated.

ChainCatcher news, according to Bloomberg, several top Wall Street banks are optimistic about the potential development of the cryptocurrency industry during Trump's possible term and are actively adjusting their strategic layout for cryptocurrency business. Morgan Stanley is vying for potential IPO clients, Bank of America executives are discussing advancing transactions for digital asset companies, and Royal Bank of Canada plans to expand its business after completing its first cryptocurrency transaction.Currently, several cryptocurrency companies such as Gemini, Bullish, Circle, and Kraken are considering IPOs in 2025. Jefferies and JPMorgan are providing consulting for Bullish's potential listing, and Moelis & Co. and Cantor Fitzgerald are also active in this field. Analysts believe that Trump's supportive stance towards the cryptocurrency industry may trigger a new wave of IPOs, stock sales, and convertible bond issuances.