The Bank of Israel has initiated the “Digital Shekel Challenge” to explore the potential of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) system inspired by the BIS Innovation Hub’s “Project Rosalind.” Fourteen teams from various sectors have been selected to propose innovative use cases. The challenge aims to integrate digital shekel with other payment systems and […]
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 […]
Bank of Israel Launches Digital Shekel Challenge
The Bank of Israel has announced the Digital Shekel Challenge, inviting various entities — private companies, public sector organizations, and academic institutions — to participate in the digital shekel’s experimental environment. The initiative aims to foster the development of innovative payment solutions using the digital shekel, leveraging its Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Participants are expected […]
Israeli Shekel Hits 7-Year Low Amid Conflict; Central Bank Launches $30B FX Intervention
On Monday, as tensions escalated between Israel and Hamas militants from the recent weekend skirmishes, the Israeli shekel plummeted to its weakest level in seven years. Responding to the declining currency, the Bank of Israel unveiled a strategy to offload up to $ 30 billion in foreign exchange, alongside an additional $ 15 …