ChainCatcher news, Dutch bank ABN AMRO and Rabobank participated in the issuance of digital commercial paper, which was tokenized on the Deutsche Börse Clearstream D7 DLT.It is reported that this transaction is part of the European Central Bank's distributed ledger experiment for wholesale settlement using central bank money. Dutch bank ABN AMRO has expressed a preference for using public blockchains to issue digital bonds, utilizing Ethereum, Stellar, and Polygon.

ChainCatcher news, according to Cointelegraph, Brazil is integrating decentralized finance (DeFi) into its ongoing experiments to develop a "synthetic" central bank digital currency (CBDC) called Drex, which was previously known as the digital Brazilian real.On October 3, Brazilian Central Bank President Roberto Campos Neto emphasized the country's need for a multidimensional CBDC, which aims to address the "trilemma" of decentralization, privacy, and programmability—challenges that traditional markets face when trying to solve these issues simultaneously.

ChainCatcher news, crypto lawyer John E Deaton announced a pledge to oppose federal CBDC in the U.S. Senate campaign, calling for clear regulation and government accountability.

ChainCatcher news, the Web3 industry research and analysis platform Web3Caff Research recently released an in-depth report on the Web3 payment track. Web3Caff Research researcher Rosa pointed out in the report that Web3 has been closely linked to payment systems since its inception. Bitcoin opened a historic chapter in global cryptocurrency payments. Cryptocurrencies inherently possess on-chain native payment advantages, and in recent years, the development of new currencies such as stablecoins has had a significant impact on traditional payment systems and cross-border payments. The distributed ledger and programmability of Web3 technology provide value advantages such as instant settlement, cost efficiency, and transparency in the payment field, gradually changing the traditional financial payment landscape. However, the technical characteristics of Web3 payments pose significant risks to the real-world monetary system and payment systems.The report further points out that there is an intersection between digital payments and Web3 payments, but there are also significant differences. Digital payments are conducted electronically, relying on traditional financial systems and controlled and regulated by centralized institutions; their advantages lie in convenience, speed, and security. Web3 payments, on the other hand, are a payment method based on blockchain technology and decentralized networks. They use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as payment means and execute payment conditions automatically through smart contracts, achieving decentralized peer-to-peer transactions. The main characteristics of Web3 payments are: decentralization, permissionless, native payment functionality, and trustless mechanisms. Currently, an increasing number of industry giants such as PayPal, Stripe, and Mastercard are laying out Web3 payment strategies, launching products like stablecoins and peer-to-peer transaction infrastructure, indicating that Web3 payments are gradually moving towards the mainstream market and gaining acceptance among the general public. Moreover, on one hand, more and more countries are beginning to regulate and legalize cryptocurrency payments, while on the other hand, the Bank for International Settlements is assisting central banks in exploring the feasibility of programmable money and programmable asset DvP settlements, as well as the application of CBDCs in cross-border payments through sandbox experiments. It is believed that this will drive the global payment system and financial system towards a more transparent, efficient, and digital direction.

ChainCatcher news, according to Cointelegraph, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a report titled "Inclusive Strategies for the Adoption of Central Bank Digital Currencies for Intermediaries and Users." The report recommends implementing inclusive strategies for intermediaries and end users. It introduces a high-level framework of Regulation, Education, Design, and Incentives (REDI) to help promote the adoption of CBDCs.IMF staff stated that the successful adoption of CBDCs requires proactive strategic policies and design choices that benefit end users and intermediaries. Therefore, they urge central banks to focus on stakeholder engagement.The REDI framework was developed by IMF staff to assist central banks in improving the adoption of CBDCs.

ChainCatcher news, the Korea Times cited sources saying that later this year, 100,000 people will participate in a large-scale pilot for tokenized deposits. The report stated that the deposit tokens will be "similar to using vouchers," which is consistent with previously announced plans.A year ago, the Bank of Korea announced plans to issue wholesale central bank digital currency (wCBDC) to support interbank settlements of bank tokenized deposits. The pilot involving up to 100,000 participants will begin in September or October of this year.In June, two government agencies announced funding for the voucher project being developed by the central bank, where the deposit tokens can be used for welfare, culture, education, and other services. However, today's report indicates that the vouchers in the pilot will be used to purchase goods at convenience stores.A banking official told the Korea Times, "Although the timeline seems slightly delayed compared to our initial expectations, we are working hard to launch the CBDC test involving 100,000 participants using deposit tokens by the end of this year, which will be a global milestone."

ChainCatcher message, the Bank of Canada has suspended its plans for a central bank digital currency (CBDC), and the central bank did not specify the reasons for the suspension. The Bank of Canada first launched a research project in 2019 to explore the creation of a digital Canadian dollar and conducted public consultations in 2022.The central bank stated that it will continue to conduct policy research and analysis on payment developments both domestically and internationally.

ChainCatcher news, according to CoinDesk, Deutsche Bank conducted a survey of 4,850 consumers in Europe, the UK, and the US in March this year. The survey results indicate that cash will not disappear anytime soon. Most respondents stated that they prefer to use debit or credit cards over CBDCs, with 44% of respondents indicating that they would rather use cash than central bank digital currencies.Only 16% of respondents believe that CBDCs will become mainstream, 31% prefer to use cryptocurrencies managed by central banks or governments, while only 21% indicated that they would choose to use private cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC).

ChainCatcher news, according to Coindesk, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released a strategic statement announcing that it will prioritize the development of wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) while postponing plans for a retail version of CBDC. RBA Assistant Governor Brad Jones pointed out in the statement that wholesale CBDC shows more significant potential benefits compared to retail CBDC and faces relatively fewer challenges.In a subsequent policy speech, Jones emphasized: "Our top priority is to collaborate with the industry to initiate the wholesale CBDC and commercial bank deposit tokenization projects. The research focus will center on new distributed ledger technologies, 'programmability,' and 'atomic settlement,' assessing their potential impact on the Australian financial system and macroeconomy."According to the latest research report released by the RBA, no clear benefits have been found for the public from a retail CBDC, mainly because Australia's existing retail payment system already meets citizens' needs well. However, the RBA and the Treasury stated that as international experience accumulates and domestic research deepens, this assessment may be adjusted over time.To this end, the RBA and the Treasury plan to conduct extensive public consultations on retail CBDC in 2025 and will continue in-depth research and empirical experiments over the coming years. The two departments have committed to jointly releasing a comprehensive report in 2027 that systematically explores the potential advantages of retail CBDC and the specific forms it may take.

ChainCatcher news, according to CoinDesk, the Central Bank of Russia plans to achieve widespread use of the digital ruble by July 2025. The Central Bank of Russia stated on Thursday, "Banks need to enable customers to open and top up digital ruble accounts, make transfers, and accept digital rubles within their infrastructure, promoting the widespread use of the national digital currency. Importantly, it should be available for citizens and businesses to use freely on an equal basis with cash and non-cash funds."It is reported that Russia has been testing its CBDC with 12 banks. Earlier this month, the number of participants in the trial expanded from 600 to 9,000.

ChainCatcher news, the North Carolina legislature has passed a bill prohibiting the state from participating in Federal Reserve Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) testing. The Senate overturned Governor Cooper's veto with a vote of 27 in favor and 17 against, passing House Bill 690. The bill prohibits the use of CBDC for payments to the state government and bans the state government from participating in CBDC testing.Cooper previously stated that the bill was "premature and an overreaction." The Blockchain Association's Director of Industry Affairs, Spuler, indicated that Cooper missed the opportunity to signal North Carolina's opposition to CBDC to the Federal Reserve System.It is worth noting that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act" this May, aimed at preventing the Federal Reserve from issuing CBDC to individuals. Federal Reserve Chairman Powell has stated that the Federal Reserve will not issue CBDC without congressional approval.

ChainCatcher news, the North Carolina legislature has passed a bill that prohibits the state from implementing the central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued by the U.S. Federal Reserve, with the Senate overriding Governor Roy Cooper's veto. The bill prohibits North Carolina from accepting CBDC as a form of payment and forbids its participation in "any future CBDC testing conducted by any Federal Reserve branch."On September 9, the Republican-led Senate passed the bill with a vote of 27 to 17, slightly above the 60% majority needed to override Democrat Cooper's veto, allowing House Bill 690 to pass. Previously, the North Carolina House of Representatives had overridden Cooper's veto with a vote of 73 to 41 in early August.

ChainCatcher news, Indian private bank HDFC Bank launched new features for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and CBDC at the 2024 Global Fintech Festival to enhance customers' digital banking experience. These features were developed in collaboration with fintech companies such as Kreditpe, Tonetag, and Payu. The new products specifically include UPI Circle-Delegate Payment, personalized UPI experience, and user-level programmable CBDC.

ChainCatcher news, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has suggested developing a plug-and-play cross-border payment system to enhance interoperability between countries.RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das stated in a recent meeting that the greatest efficiency gains from such initiatives would come from ensuring interoperability as a key design element.

ChainCatcher news, according to CoinDesk, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Shaktikanta Das, stated that although the number of users in its retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot has exceeded 5 million, there should be no rush to launch a system-wide CBDC until a comprehensive understanding of the impact of CBDC on users, monetary policy, the financial system, and the economy is achieved.Shaktikanta Das mentioned that currently up to 16 banks are participating in the retail CBDC pilot, but did not disclose the specific number of daily transactions. The RBI had previously stated that there is no urgency to implement a full-scale retail CBDC and has not announced a specific timeline. However, this time Shaktikanta Das hinted that a full implementation might be avoided.

ChainCatcher news, according to CryptoSlate, Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina stated in an interview, "By 2031, CBDCs will be a part of everyday life. The digital ruble has the advantage of free or low transaction fees, which will drive the adoption of CBDCs."

ChainCatcher news, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revealed that as of June, there are 5 million digital rupee users and 420,000 merchants participating in the retail Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot. The RBI emphasized that the digital rupee aims to complement cash and existing payment systems, serving both wholesale and retail sectors.

ChainCatcher news, Federal Reserve Chairman Powell stated that the Federal Reserve does not have the authority to issue a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). There is no request for authorization to issue a Central Bank Digital Currency. (Jin Ten)

ChainCatcher news, the Bank of England stated that it plans to conduct a series of experiments on Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (wCBDC) to keep up with changes in the payment landscape and assess the opportunities and risks brought by the development of fintech.The bank stated that it will work with the Treasury, payment system regulators, and the Financial Conduct Authority to ensure that the singularity of currency is maintained, even when stablecoins are involved. In other words, ensuring that all forms of currency—cash, bank deposits, etc.—can be exchanged for one another. In the discussion document, the bank indicated that it will conduct a series of experiments to ensure the singularity of currency is maintained between stablecoins and tokenized deposits (i.e., deposit claims represented on programmable platforms).