Date: 05 April, 2024

In a bold attempt to stabilize its long-struggling economy, Zimbabwe has introduced a new gold-backed currency known as ZiG, short for “Zimbabwe Gold”. This move marks the latest in a series of efforts to restore economic stability in a country that has faced repeated financial crises over the past 25 years.

Central Bank Governor John Mushayavanhu unveiled the new currency, explaining that ZiG would be structured and set at a market-determined exchange rate. This new currency replaces the Zimbabwean dollar, known as the RTGS, which had depreciated by three-quarters of its value this year alone. Zimbabweans now have a 21-day window to exchange their old, inflation-ridden notes for the new ZiG currency.

Annual inflation in Zimbabwe surged to 55% in March, a seven-month high, exacerbating the economic hardships faced by its citizens. The introduction of the ZiG is intended to curb this rampant inflation and bring a measure of stability to the economy. However, despite the introduction of the new currency, the US dollar will remain legal tender. Given its stability and widespread use, it is likely that the majority of Zimbabweans will continue to prefer transactions in US dollars, which currently account for 85% of all transactions in the country.

The new ZiG banknotes will come in denominations ranging from 1 to 200, with coins also set to be introduced. The introduction of coins aims to address the ongoing shortage of US coins, which has led to the unconventional practice of giving change in the form of sweets, small chocolates, and pens. Governor Mushayavanhu emphasized that the new currency would be rolled out immediately, with banks required to convert current Zimbabwean dollar balances to the ZiG. To prevent the new currency from suffering the same fate as its predecessors, Mushayavanhu committed to ensuring that the local currency in circulation would be backed by an equivalent value in precious minerals, primarily gold, or foreign exchange. This measure is designed to prevent the new currency from losing value and to rebuild trust in the central bank.

Zimbabweans’ skepticism towards the central bank is deeply rooted in history, particularly dating back to 2008 when the bank printed Z$10 trillion notes amidst runaway inflation. This hyperinflation led to the abandonment of the national currency in favor of foreign banknotes such as the US dollar and the South African rand. In late 2016, Zimbabwe introduced a new currency called the bond note, which was initially backed by a US dollar loan facility. Then-Central Bank Governor John Mangudya assured the public that the bond note would remain on par with the US dollar. However, this currency eventually crashed when the government began printing excess money, further eroding public trust.

The introduction of the ZiG represents a crucial step in Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle to stabilize its economy. With the new gold-backed currency, the central bank aims to restore confidence and provide a stable medium of exchange. The success of this initiative, however, will largely depend on the government’s ability to maintain discipline in monetary policy and to back the currency with adequate reserves of gold and foreign exchange.

Despite these efforts, the US dollar’s dominance in the Zimbabwean economy is unlikely to wane quickly. The widespread use of the US dollar reflects deep-seated mistrust in the country’s own monetary system, a mistrust that has been reinforced by past failures. Nonetheless, the ZiG’s introduction offers a glimmer of hope for a more stable economic future.

As the new currency is implemented, it remains to be seen whether Zimbabwe can overcome its historical challenges and achieve lasting economic stability. The government’s commitment to backing the ZiG with tangible assets is a promising start, but the road ahead will require careful management and sustained efforts to rebuild public trust in the nation’s financial institutions.

Key Points:

• Zimbabwe introduces gold-backed currency ZiG to stabilize its economy.
• ZiG replaces the Zimbabwean dollar (RTGS), which lost 75% of its value this year.
• Annual inflation reached 55% in March, a seven-month high.
• Zimbabweans have 21 days to exchange old notes for the new currency.
• US dollar, used in 85% of transactions, remains legal tender.
• ZiG banknotes range from 1 to 200 denominations; coins to address US coin shortage.
• Banks must convert current Zimbabwe dollar balances to ZiG.
• ZiG is backed by gold or foreign exchange to prevent devaluation.
• Historic mistrust of the central bank due to 2008 hyperinflation.
• Previous bond note currency failed due to excessive money printing.
• ZiG aims to restore economic stability and public trust in the currency.

Reference: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68736155

Date: 19 June, 2024

In a significant move towards embracing digital finance, Ethiopia’s cabinet has approved a legal framework for the establishment of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). This development coincides with the government’s strategic efforts to position Ethiopia as a global hub for bitcoin mining. The draft law, now set to be reviewed by the lower chamber of parliament, aligns with the government’s broader economic reform agenda.

The approval of the CBDC legal framework marks a pivotal step in Ethiopia’s financial modernization efforts. On June 13, the Council of Ministers passed two crucial pieces of legislation: the National Bank of Ethiopia Proclamation and the Banking Business Proclamation. These laws are designed to overhaul the financial sector and integrate digital currencies into the national economy. The proposed CBDC framework is now headed to the House of Peoples’ Representatives, where the ruling Prosperity Party holds a majority. Given this political dominance, the legislation is expected to pass smoothly through the lower chamber. The establishment of a CBDC is anticipated to enhance financial inclusion, streamline payment systems, and reduce the costs associated with currency management.

Ethiopia’s venture into the realm of digital currencies comes as part of a broader set of economic reforms aimed at revitalizing the nation’s economy. The government’s comprehensive strategy includes policies to attract global bitcoin mining operations to Ethiopia. By leveraging the country’s abundant renewable energy resources, such as hydroelectric power, Ethiopia aims to become a competitive player in the cryptocurrency mining industry. The dual focus on CBDC development and bitcoin mining reflects Ethiopia’s ambition to harness the benefits of digital finance and blockchain technology. The introduction of a CBDC is expected to facilitate more efficient and secure financial transactions, while the promotion of bitcoin mining is geared towards generating new revenue streams and fostering technological innovation.

The move to develop a CBDC is aligned with global trends, as central banks around the world explore digital currencies to improve the efficiency of monetary systems and enhance financial stability. For Ethiopia, a CBDC represents a leap towards modernizing its financial infrastructure and ensuring that its monetary policy is equipped to handle the challenges of the digital age.

The government’s push for bitcoin mining also signals a forward-thinking approach to economic diversification. By attracting international mining operations, Ethiopia hopes to capitalize on the growing demand for cryptocurrencies and the increasing importance of blockchain technology. The influx of mining businesses is expected to create jobs, stimulate technological advancements, and boost the local economy.

Key Points:

• Ethiopia’s cabinet approves CBDC legal framework.
• Pursues policies to become a global bitcoin mining hub.
• Draft law set for review by Prosperity Party in parliament.
• Part of broader economic reforms.
• Council of Ministers passed the National Bank of Ethiopia Proclamation on June 13.
• Proclamation allows NBE to introduce CBDC alongside fiat currency.
• NBE considered development, policy, technology, and international best practices.
• Ethiopian Central Bank to launch CBDC as part of reform agenda.

Reference:

https://www.centralbanking.com/fintech/cbdc/7961494/ethiopia-approves-cbdc-law-as-it-pursues-bitcoin-mining-policies

Date: 22 June, 2024

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has made a historic announcement, declaring itself the first central bank globally to conduct a monetary policy operation using distributed-ledger technology (DLT) in a live production environment. This groundbreaking achievement was revealed during a press conference held in Zurich on June 20. The conference initially covered updates on inflation and the Swiss economic outlook before shifting focus to fintech innovations, with a particular emphasis on the wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot initiative known as ‘Project Helvetia’.

At the center of the announcement was the successful issuance of digital SNB bills on the SIX Digital Exchange (SDX). The SDX, a platform dedicated to tokenized assets and a sibling to Switzerland’s main stock exchange, the SIX Swiss Exchange, played a crucial role in this development. The digital bills, issued at the beginning of June, had an issuance volume of CHF 64 million (approximately £56.6 million or $71.6 million) and a one-week term. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the application of DLT in central banking operations. Project Helvetia, which is already in its third stage, will continue for at least two more years with an expanded scope, the SNB announced. The third stage of this ambitious pilot program began in December 2023 and was initially set to conclude at the end of June 2024. However, due to the project’s success and potential, the SNB has decided to extend its duration and broaden its scope. The pilot program has positioned the SNB as a global leader in deploying wholesale CBDC in a live production environment. The central bank expressed hope that additional financial institutions will join the initiative over time, enabling wholesale CBDC to be used for a broader range of financial transactions.

The SNB’s pioneering efforts in utilizing DLT for monetary policy operations represent a significant milestone not only for Switzerland but also for the global financial system. By integrating DLT into its monetary policy framework, the SNB has demonstrated the practical viability and potential benefits of using advanced technology to enhance financial stability and efficiency.

The extension and expansion of Project Helvetia underline the SNB’s commitment to innovation and its proactive approach to exploring new frontiers in central banking. The insights gained and the infrastructure developed through this initiative are expected to have far-reaching implications, potentially setting new standards for central banks worldwide. The SNB’s call for broader participation from financial institutions highlights the collaborative nature of this initiative. By involving a diverse range of stakeholders, the central bank aims to create a more inclusive and robust financial ecosystem. The successful implementation of wholesale CBDC in a live environment paves the way for its application in various financial transactions, from interbank settlements to more complex financial instruments. As Project Helvetia progresses, it will serve as a valuable model for other central banks considering the adoption of DLT and CBDCs. The lessons learned and the best practices established by the SNB will provide a blueprint for future innovations in the global financial system. The Swiss National Bank’s successful deployment of distributed-ledger technology in a live production environment marks a significant advancement in the realm of central banking. Through Project Helvetia, the SNB has positioned itself at the forefront of financial innovation, demonstrating the transformative potential of DLT and CBDCs. As the project continues to evolve and expand, it promises to reshape the landscape of global finance, driving greater efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in the years to come.

Key Points:

• On June 20, the SNB announced the world’s first monetary policy operation using DLT.
• The announcement was made at a Zurich press conference with updates on inflation and the Swiss economy.
• Focus was on fintech innovations, particularly the wholesale CBDC pilot, ‘Project Helvetia’.
• In early June, the SNB issued digital bills worth CHF 64 million on the SIX Digital Exchange.
• These token-based bills had a one-week term.
• Project Helvetia, now in its third stage, will continue for at least two more years with an expanded scope.
• The pilot program has established the SNB as a leader in deploying wholesale CBDC in a live production environment.
• The SNB aims for more financial institutions to participate, broadening the range of wholesale CBDC transactions.
• Wholesale CBDC (wCBDC) is for interbank use, unlike retail CBDC meant for everyday transactions by the public.

References:

https://www.globalgovernmentfintech.com/snb-tokenised-monetary-policy-operation/ 

Date: 24 June, 2024

The Eurosystem’s digital euro project is moving forward with a clear vision: to ensure central bank money evolves in tandem with current payment preferences and trends, facilitate electronic payments across the euro area, and bolster Europe’s strategic autonomy. The digital euro, envisioned as a retail payment solution issued by the Eurosystem—which includes the European Central Bank (ECB) and the national central banks of the euro area—aims to be available to everyone in all retail payment scenarios across the entire eurozone. This digital currency would complement cash, providing individuals with more choices and offering a secure and accessible payment option. Additionally, a digital euro would enhance Europe’s monetary sovereignty and lessen dependency on large, non-European private payment providers that currently dominate the market.s

Following the completion of the digital euro investigation phase, initiated by the Eurosystem in 2021, the ECB’s Governing Council approved the commencement of a two-year preparation phase on October 18, 2023. This preparation phase, set to last until October 31, 2025, aims to build on the insights gained during the previous phase and lay the groundwork for the potential issuance of a digital euro. The goals of this phase include finalizing the digital euro rulebook, which will establish a uniform set of rules for digital euro payments, and selecting providers capable of developing the digital euro platform and infrastructure. During this phase, the Eurosystem will also conduct further testing and experimentation, focusing on technical aspects such as offline functionality and developing a comprehensive testing and rollout plan.

The digital euro is a collaborative European project, and the technical work during the preparation phase is being carried out alongside the legislative process led by co-legislators. The ECB’s ongoing technical advancements are informing the legislative discussions in the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, which are deliberating on a proposal presented by the European Commission in June 2023. The ECB is also engaging regularly with various stakeholders, including the public, to ensure the digital euro meets the highest standards of quality, security, privacy, and usability.

By the end of 2025, the ECB’s Governing Council will decide whether to proceed to the next phase of digital euro preparations. The decision to issue a digital euro will only be made after the European Union’s legislative process is complete. The ECB will consider any necessary adjustments to the digital euro’s design that may arise from legislative deliberations.

This report outlines the progress of the digital euro project since the start of the preparation phase. It highlights the results of the technical work conducted in areas such as privacy, offline functionality, and the rulebook. Additionally, the report summarizes the technical contributions provided by the ECB to support the legislative efforts of the European Union.

Privacy has been a cornerstone of the digital euro project from its inception, adhering to a “privacy by design” approach. The public has consistently ranked privacy and data protection as top priorities for a digital euro, prompting the Eurosystem to prioritize these elements at every stage of the project. Ensuring robust privacy and data protection measures will be crucial in gaining public trust and fostering widespread adoption of the digital euro. As the preparation phase progresses, the ECB and its partners will continue to refine the digital euro’s technical and operational aspects, ensuring it meets the needs of users across the euro area. The success of this phase will be critical in determining the future of the digital euro and its role in Europe’s financial ecosystem. With the ongoing commitment to transparency, security, and privacy, the digital euro project aims to create a modern, efficient, and secure payment solution that aligns with the evolving landscape of digital finance.

The Eurosystem’s digital euro project represents a significant step towards modernizing Europe’s payment infrastructure. By addressing current payment preferences and trends while ensuring security and privacy, the digital euro could become a cornerstone of Europe’s financial future. The project’s progress thus far is promising, and the coming years will be crucial in determining its ultimate success and implementation.

Key Points:

• ECB published inaugural progress report on CBDC development on June 24.
• Focus on privacy with pseudonymization, hashing, and encryption to prevent tracking.
• Payment service providers need explicit consent to use consumer financial data.
• Offline transactions can occur directly between parties without intermediaries.
• Transactions will be settled on payment devices like smartphones and smart cards.
• Smart cards may be battery-powered or use relays to sync with the CBDC blockchain.

Reference:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/european-central-bank-first-cbdc-progress-update

Date: 23 June, 2024

For over three years, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) has collaborated with the central banks of China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on an ambitious cross-border central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiative known as Project mBridge. This project aims to revolutionize cross-border payments by enhancing their efficiency, speed, and transparency.

Traditional correspondent banking, which is the current standard for international transactions, has long been criticized for being slow, expensive, and overly complex. Project mBridge seeks to address these issues through its innovative use of permissioned distributed ledger technology (DLT). The core of this technology, the mBridge ledger (mBL), is designed to facilitate instant peer-to-peer and atomic cross-border payments and foreign exchange (FX) transactions using wholesale CBDCs.

The project recently achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its minimum viable product (MVP) stage. This stage marks a crucial step in the development and testing of the mBridge ledger, demonstrating its potential to streamline cross-border transactions. Adding to this momentum, Saudi Arabia has announced its decision to join the project, signaling growing international interest and confidence in the initiative.

The inclusion of Saudi Arabia, a key player in the global financial landscape, is expected to further bolster the project’s development and adoption. Saudi Arabia’s participation is anticipated to bring additional expertise and resources, helping to refine the mBridge ledger and expand its capabilities. This move underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the inefficiencies of current cross-border payment systems.

Project mBridge aims to solve several key problems inherent in traditional correspondent banking. These include lengthy transaction times, high costs, and the complexity of navigating multiple intermediaries and regulatory frameworks. By leveraging DLT, the project promises to significantly reduce transaction times and costs, making cross-border payments faster and more affordable. The technology’s transparency and security features also enhance trust and reduce the risk of fraud.

The mBridge ledger supports instant peer-to-peer transactions, which means that payments can be made directly between parties without the need for intermediaries. This capability is particularly important for cross-border payments, which often involve multiple banks and other intermediaries, each adding their own fees and delays. Atomic transactions, which are also supported by the mBridge ledger, ensure that cross-border payments and FX transactions are executed seamlessly and simultaneously, further reducing the risk of delays and errors.

The successful completion of the MVP stage is a testament to the project’s progress and the potential of its underlying technology. As the project moves into its next phases, further testing and refinement will be essential to ensure that the mBridge ledger can handle the scale and complexity of real-world cross-border transactions. This will involve collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and technology providers.

The participation of Saudi Arabia is a significant boost for Project mBridge, highlighting its growing relevance and the international community’s commitment to improving cross-border payment systems. As more countries and central banks express interest in the project, the potential for widespread adoption and implementation of the mBridge ledger increases. This could lead to a new era of more efficient, transparent, and secure cross-border payments, benefiting businesses and consumers worldwide.

Project mBridge represents a bold and innovative effort to transform the landscape of cross-border payments. By addressing the inefficiencies of traditional correspondent banking through advanced DLT, the project aims to create a faster, cheaper, and more transparent system for international transactions. The recent advancements, including the MVP stage completion and Saudi Arabia’s involvement, signal promising progress and a bright future for this groundbreaking initiative. As Project mBridge continues to evolve, it holds the potential to set new standards for cross-border payments and foster greater financial inclusion and cooperation on a global scale.

Key Points:

• The BIS and central banks of China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and UAE have collaborated on the mBridge CBDC project for over three years.
• mBridge aims to enhance efficiency, speed, and transparency in cross-border payments.
• The project addresses the slow, expensive, and complex nature of traditional correspondent banking.
• mBridge uses a permissioned distributed ledger technology called the mBridge ledger (mBL).
• mBL supports instant peer-to-peer and atomic cross-border payments and FX transactions using wholesale CBDCs.
• mBridge recently completed its minimal viable product (MVP) stage.
• Saudi Arabia has joined the mBridge project.
• The MVP development included building the mBridge ledger and conducting a successful 2022 pilot with real-value transactions.
• Founding central banks and monetary authorities have each deployed a validating node.
• Commercial banks have conducted additional real-value transactions in preparation for the MVP release.
• A bespoke governance and legal framework, including a rulebook, has been established for the platform’s decentralized nature.

Reference:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2024/06/23/cross-border-cbdc-focused-project-mbridge-moves-forward/

Date: 06 May, 2024

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking significant steps to ensure its digital currency can be used offline. According to Governor Shaktikanta Das, the central bank aims to make the digital rupee functional without relying on internet access, enhancing its accessibility and convenience for users across the country.

This move by the RBI is part of a broader effort to integrate digital currency into the everyday lives of Indian citizens. By enabling offline transactions, the central bank seeks to provide a reliable and efficient payment method even in areas with limited internet connectivity. This development is expected to boost digital financial inclusion and support the seamless functioning of digital payments in remote and underserved regions.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) have garnered significant global attention, and the approach to their implementation varies among countries. In a recent discussion, central bankers from Germany, Italy, and India addressed the complexities and considerations of adopting CBDCs. Speaking remotely, Joachim Nagel of Germany, Fabio Panetta of Italy, and an Indian counterpart emphasized that making CBDCs non-remunerative and non-interest bearing can mitigate the risk of bank disintermediation. The panel, chaired by Hyun Song Shin, Head of Research at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), explored the potential of CBDCs to enhance transaction efficiency while acknowledging the accompanying risks.

By designating CBDCs as non-remunerative, central banks aim to prevent the erosion of traditional banking systems. This means that CBDCs will not offer interest, ensuring that they do not compete with bank deposits, which are a crucial source of funding for banks. This approach is intended to maintain the stability of the banking sector and avoid disrupting the financial ecosystem.

However, the introduction of CBDCs is not without challenges. Key concerns include data privacy and cybersecurity. As CBDCs will be digital, they inherently carry the risk of cyber threats and data breaches. Ensuring robust security measures and maintaining public trust are paramount for any central bank considering the deployment of digital currencies. The panel highlighted that while the technology offers significant benefits in terms of transaction speed and efficiency, these benefits must be balanced against the need to protect users’ data and secure the financial system against cyber-attacks. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is among the cautious central banks evaluating the potential of CBDCs. The RBI’s careful approach is reflective of a broader global trend. According to the Atlantic Council, 36 countries are currently running pilot programs for CBDCs. Despite the widespread interest and ongoing experimentation, only three countries — Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Nigeria — have fully launched digital currencies to the public.

In Jamaica, the central bank’s CBDC, known as JAM-DEX, aims to increase financial inclusion and reduce the reliance on cash. The Bahamas introduced the Sand Dollar, the world’s first CBDC, in 2020 to provide residents with greater access to financial services, particularly in remote areas. Nigeria’s eNaira, launched in October 2021, seeks to promote financial inclusion and facilitate easier transactions.

The cautious approach by the RBI and other central banks underscores the need to address several critical issues before a full-scale launch of CBDCs. The technological infrastructure must be robust enough to handle large volumes of transactions securely. Furthermore, central banks need to develop comprehensive regulatory frameworks to manage the risks associated with digital currencies, including fraud, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

Another significant aspect is the interoperability of CBDCs with existing payment systems. Ensuring that CBDCs can seamlessly integrate with traditional banking and payment systems is crucial for their widespread adoption. This involves coordination with financial institutions, payment service providers, and other stakeholders to create a cohesive ecosystem.

Public education and awareness are also essential for the successful adoption of CBDCs. Central banks must engage with the public to build trust and confidence in digital currencies. Clear communication about the benefits, risks, and usage of CBDCs will be vital in gaining public acceptance.

While the potential benefits of CBDCs are clear — including enhanced transaction efficiency and greater financial inclusion — the journey towards their full implementation is fraught with challenges. The cautious stance adopted by the RBI and other central banks reflects the need to address data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory issues comprehensively. As the global landscape evolves, the experiences of early adopters like Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Nigeria will provide valuable insights for other countries navigating the path towards digital currencies.

Key Points:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to make its digital currency available offline.
• Governor Shaktikanta Das announced the initiative to ensure the digital rupee can be used without internet access.
• The offline functionality aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for users.
• The RBI’s move supports digital financial inclusion, especially in areas with limited internet connectivity.
• This development aims to boost the use of digital payments in remote and underserved regions.

References:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-06/india-central-bank-to-make-digital-rupee-offline-das-says

https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/india-central-bank-to-make-its-digital-currency-available-offline-das-says-1.2069262

Date: 29 April, 2024

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has unveiled its forward-looking digital payments roadmap, prioritizing stablecoins, a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC), and tokenization as key areas of focus.

Aligned with SARB’s National Payment System Framework and Strategy: Vision 2025, the roadmap aims to bolster financial inclusion, enhance cost-effective payments, promote interoperability, and foster innovation and competition within the financial sector.

Despite a commendable 82% financial inclusion rate among adults in South Africa, usage statistics reveal room for improvement, with over 70% of account holders utilizing their accounts only once a month. Factors such as high fees, a preference for cash transactions, and financial constraints contribute to this trend, making the promotion of digital payments a critical agenda for SARB.

One notable initiative is the exploration of a digital rand, with a feasibility study for a retail CBDC initiated in May 2021. The ongoing roadmap pledges continued exploration over the next two years, focusing on the potential impact on payments, monetary policy, and broader financial services.

Digital assets also feature prominently in SARB’s strategy, with South Africa emerging as a prominent digital currency hub alongside Nigeria and Kenya. Innovations such as Centbee’s digital currency onboarding have facilitated direct payments for utilities, groceries, and transportation services.

While digital assets do not hold legal tender status, SARB has refrained from prohibiting their use for payment purposes and remains open to integrating stablecoins into its regulatory sandbox. This sandbox approach enables SARB to evaluate payment use cases and their potential to boost digital payment adoption, contributing to the formulation of a comprehensive regulatory framework.

Guided by recommendations from the Financial Stability Board (FSB), SARB is actively developing a regulatory approach to digital assets, although the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has assumed a primary role in digital asset regulation. Notably, the FSCA recently issued its inaugural batch of Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licenses to prominent exchanges like VALR and Luno, signaling a progressive stance towards digital asset oversight and compliance.

Key Points:

• SARB unveils a digital payments roadmap focusing on stablecoins, CBDC, and tokenization.
• Aligned with Vision 2025, aims include financial inclusion, cost-effective payments, and innovation.
• Despite high inclusion rates, usage statistics reveal low account utilization.
• Exploration of digital rand and feasibility study for retail CBDC ongoing.
• Digital assets, though not legal tender, are actively utilized in South Africa’s digital currency landscape.
• SARB is open to integrating stablecoins into the regulatory sandbox for payment use case evaluation.
• Regulatory approach to digital assets guided by FSB recommendations; FSCA leads digital asset regulation.
• The recent issuance of VASP licenses to exchanges like VALR and Luno showcases progressive oversight.

Reference

https://coingeek.com/south-africa-digital-payments-roadmap-includes-cbdc-stablecoins/

Date: 29 April, 2024

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) recently unveiled progress in its central bank digital currency (CBDC) endeavors with the release of an interim report. In a move echoing the Bank of England’s Project Rosalind, BoJ launched a CBDC API Sandbox this month, expanding its focus beyond previous proofs of concept (PoCs). These PoCs, including the most recent one, concluded a year ago, have paved the way for broader experimentation encompassing end-to-end scenarios involving intermediaries.

The latest phase of work, distinct from earlier efforts, delves into interoperability with external systems and explores additional functionalities crucial for CBDC implementation. Notably, industry engagement has intensified through five dedicated working groups, signaling a collaborative approach to CBDC development.

Among the explored functionalities are enhanced privacy measures, drawing inspiration from the digital euro model to segregate personal and payment data. However, discussions also broach the possibility of data monetization with user consent, suggesting an external data distribution mechanism separate from the central bank and intermediaries.

Scalability emerges as a paramount concern, with the envisioned CBDC platform expected to handle tens of thousands of transactions per second routinely and surpassing 100,000 transactions per second during peak demand periods.

The CBDC working groups, spanning topics from system integration to user experience, reflect a comprehensive exploration of CBDC ecosystem requirements. Additionally, a planned sixth group will delve into the coexistence dynamics between CBDC and existing payment methods, including electronic money.

While BoJ has yet to commit to launching a CBDC, hurdles such as low consumer awareness in Japan present challenges. Nonetheless, BoJ’s involvement in cross-border payment initiatives like Project Agora and the imminent launch of Japan’s first tokenized deposit solution, DCJPY, underscore the nation’s strides toward embracing digital financial innovations.

Key Points:

• BoJ released an interim report on CBDC progress, launching a CBDC API Sandbox akin to the Bank of England’s Project Rosalind.
• Previous PoCs laid the groundwork for broader experimentation involving end-to-end scenarios with intermediaries.
• Focus now includes interoperability with external systems and exploring additional CBDC functionalities.
• Industry engagement intensified through five working groups, emphasizing collaboration.
• Explored functionalities include enhanced privacy measures and potential data monetization with user consent.
• Scalability is a key concern, aiming for processing tens of thousands of transactions per second routinely and over 100,000 during peak times.
• CBDC working groups cover system integration, user experience, and coexistence with existing payment methods.
• BoJ’s participation in cross-border payment initiatives like Project Agora and the upcoming tokenized deposit solution DCJPY highlights Japan’s move towards digital financial innovations.

Reference

https://www.ledgerinsights.com/digital-yen-bank-of-japan-cbdc-api-sandbox/

Date: 05 April, 2024

To stabilize its volatile economy, Zimbabwe has launched a new gold-backed currency known as ZiG, short for “Zimbabwe Gold.” This move comes after years of economic turmoil in the country.

The announcement was made by central bank governor John Mushayavanhu during the unveiling of the new notes. Mushayavanhu stated that ZiG would be structured and its exchange rate would be determined by the market.

The introduction of ZiG replaces the Zimbabwean dollar, RTGS, which had experienced a significant loss in value this year, losing three-quarters of its value. March recorded an annual inflation rate of 55%, marking a seven-month high.

Zimbabweans are given a 21-day window to exchange their old, inflation-affected notes for the new ZiG currency. However, the US dollar, constituting 85% of transactions, will continue to be legal tender and preferred by most people.

The new ZiG banknotes are available in denominations ranging from 1 to 200. Additionally, coins will be introduced to address the scarcity of US coins, which has led to receiving changes in items like sweets, small chocolates, and pens.

Mushayavanhu emphasized that the new currency is immediately effective, with banks required to convert existing Zimbabwe dollar balances to ZiG. He assured that the currency’s value would be backed by precious minerals, primarily gold, or foreign exchange to prevent devaluation.

Zimbabwe’s history of mistrust towards the central bank stems from the 2008 hyperinflation period when Z$10 trillion notes were printed. Subsequently, the country abandoned its currency and relied on foreign banknotes like the US dollar and South African rand.

In late 2016, the bond note was introduced, backed by a US dollar loan facility. However, it devalued due to excessive money printing by the government.

The new central bank governor has pledged to avoid overprinting, but public reception to the currency announcement has been cautious. Economist Godfrey Kanyenze highlighted the need for authorities to demonstrate fiscal discipline to rebuild trust in the market.

Key points:

• Zimbabwe introduced a new gold-backed currency called ZiG.
• Central bank governor John Mushayavanhu announces ZiG’s launch.
• ZiG replaces the depreciated Zimbabwean dollar, RTGS.
• Annual inflation in March hits 55%, a seven-month high.
• ZiG banknotes range from 1 to 200 denominations.
• The US dollar remains legal tender, preferred in transactions.
• Coins to address the scarcity of US coins introduced.
• Banks are mandated to convert Zimbabwe dollar balances to ZiG.
• The currency’s value is backed by gold or foreign exchange to prevent devaluation.
• Historic mistrust towards the central bank dates back to the 2008 hyperinflation.
• New governor vows to prevent overprinting, and restore market trust.

References:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68736155

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/zimbabwes-new-zig-currency-starts-trading-credibility-doubts-linger-2024-04-08/