Tanzania’s Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources has mandated that all fees in the tourism sector must be paid in local currency, aligning with a government directive for local transactions to use the country’s shillings. This requirement applies to Tourism Business Licence fees, filming permits, and visiting fees. Previously dollar-denominated payments will now be converted […]
Russia Considers Allowing Digital Currency Trading on the Country’s Largest Exchanges
The Russian Ministry of Finance has proposed permitting digital currency trading for a select group of qualified investors on licensed exchanges like the Moscow Exchange and St. Petersburg Exchange. Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma Financial Market Committee, believes Russia’s largest exchanges are prepared to handle cryptocurrency transactions. He emphasized that once legal conditions […]
Israel’s Digital Shekel Plans Hinge on ECB’s Digital Currency Move
The Bank of Israel (BOI) is exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC), a digital shekel, to modernize Israel’s payment system and drive innovation. However, BOI Deputy Governor Andrew Abir stated that the BOI is waiting for a major central bank, likely the European Central Bank (ECB), to introduce a digital currency before proceeding. This […]
Zambia to Outlaw Use of Foreign Currency, Criminals Could Face Jail Time for up to 10 Years
The Bank of Zambia has proposed a new series of guidelines that seek to outlaw the use of foreign currency, including the U.S. dollar, for local transactions. If finally approved, the document would establish harsh penalties for infringement, including jail time for up to ten years and hefty fines. Zambia to Punish Illegal Use of […]
Bahamas to Mandate Banks to Distribute Central Bank Digital Currency
The Bahamas, the first country to issue a central bank digital currency (CBDC) called the Sand Dollar, is preparing regulations to mandate commercial banks to provide access to the e-money to boost adoption. Central Bank Governor John Rolle indicated that these regulations would be implemented within two years. “We’ve begun to signal that to our […]