Central banks kept up demand for gold in February, registering net purchases of 19 tonnes. Albeit the purchasing trend continued, purchases fell 58% compared to January’s demand, according to IMF and World Gold Council numbers. China reported the largest gold accumulation, acquiring 12 tonnes to maintain a 16-month gold purchasing streak. Gold Demand Still High […]
BIS Announces Project Agorá: Central Banks Bet on Tokenization for Cross Border Settlements
The Bank for International Settlements, the central banks’ bank, announced the launch of Project Agorá, a joint private-public initiative seeking to examine the potential benefits of tokenization for improving cross-border settlements. Agorá includes the participation of seven central banks and private institutions to be convened by the Institute of International Finance (IIF). BIS to Explore […]
Zimbabwe’s Central Bank Launches Gold-and Forex-Backed ‘Structured Currency’
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has introduced a foreign exchange and gold-backed “structured currency” to replace the struggling local currency. The structured currency banknotes will be “fully convertible into the reserve currency on demand.” The central bank has also reduced the annual interest rate from 130% to 20%. Structured Currency Supported by Solid Fundamentals The […]
India’s Digital Rupee Expands: Non-Banks to Offer Central Bank Digital Currency Wallets
India’s central bank has announced that it will enable non-bank payment system operators to offer central bank digital currency (CBDC) wallets. Noting that “necessary changes will be made to the system to facilitate this,” the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said the initiative is expected “to enhance access and expand choices available to users.” Non-Bank […]
Nigerian Central Bank Not in Charge of Crypto Regulation, Says Governor
According to the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission is responsible for regulating cryptocurrencies. However, the governor said the central bank will collaborate with law enforcement agencies and regulators overseeing the Nigerian crypto sector. The Central Bank’s Change of Heart In a surprise announcement, Yemi Cardoso, governor of the […]