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Norway supports MiCA, considers CBDC for financial stability

Norges Bank backs the EU’s MiCA regulation while considering a CBDC to enhance cross-border payments and support financial stability in Norway.

Norges Bank, Norway’s central bank, has endorsed the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) as the country evaluates the potential adoption of a central bank digital currency (CBDC).

Kjetil Watne, project director for Norges Bank’s CBDC project, said in an interview with Cointelegraph that Norway, as a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), welcomes MiCA’s framework. However, he noted that the bank is still considering “whether additional regulations are necessary to promote financial stability.”

Watne explained that Norges Bank has “not yet decided” if it will issue a CBDC and is assessing how to “mitigate regulatory gaps related to decentralized finance.”

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International agencies report on tokenization to G20 officials

The Bank for International Settlements and the Financial Stability Board have similar views on tokenization — it could provide new benefits and familiar challenges.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB) have both released a series of papers ahead of the Group of 20 (G20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting on Oct. 23 and 24.

Brazil is the president of the G20 world’s largest economies for 2024 and, like India last year, it called for a discussion of digital currency.

Both the BIS and FSB released papers on tokenization on Oct. 22. Although their studies were carried out independently, the BIS and FSB emphasized common themes.

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Charles Schwab plans to offer spot crypto trading as US rules evolve under Trump

ECB official proposes unified European ledger for digital assets

European Central Bank executive board member Piero Cipollone would like to see a sort of European union for digital assets.

A European Central Bank (ECB) official has introduced the idea of a “European ledger” — a continental unified ledger. Such a blockchain could bring European digital assets and money together in one place, leading to greater efficiency and synergy. 

ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone said Europe’s traditional capital markets are fragmented and have unharmonized legislation to overcome, but there is a chance to create a unified platform for digital assets. He called that platform a digital capital markets union.

According to Cipollone, more than 60% of banks in the European Union are exploring or experimenting with distributed ledger technology (DLT), and another 22% already use it. But while DLT provides an opportunity to create financial integration, it does not guarantee it, Cipollone said at a symposium hosted by the German central bank. On the contrary:

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Charles Schwab plans to offer spot crypto trading as US rules evolve under Trump

IMF Urges El Salvador to Tighten Bitcoin Law and Strengthen Oversight

IMF Urges El Salvador to Tighten Bitcoin Law and Strengthen OversightThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised El Salvador to narrow the scope of its bitcoin law, strengthen regulation and oversight of the cryptocurrency, and limit public sector exposure. The IMF remains engaged with the country to support reforms and ensure bitcoin adoption does not threaten financial stability. IMF Urges El Salvador to Tackle Bitcoin […]

Charles Schwab plans to offer spot crypto trading as US rules evolve under Trump

Former Chinese finance minister urges crypto study after US Bitcoin ETF shift

Lou Jiwei stressed that China must assess cryptocurrency developments, particularly as the US shifts policy on Bitcoin ETFs.

During a speech at the 2024 Tsinghua Wudaokou Chief Economists Forum in Beijing, former Chinese finance minister Lou Jiwei urged China to closely examine advancements in cryptocurrency.

According to Sina Finance’s report of the speech, the ex-minister highlighted the potential risks crypto poses to financial stability, including volatility and their role in money laundering.

He also noted the United States’ shifting stance toward cryptocurrencies, particularly in light of the US Securities and Exchange Commission approval of spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

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Charles Schwab plans to offer spot crypto trading as US rules evolve under Trump

IMF staff propose REDI framework to catalyze CBDC adoption

IMF staff members have introduced a high-level four-stage framework emphasizing regulation, education, design and incentives to enhance CBDC adoption.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff members have issued a guide for policymakers and banking institutions on ways to increase the uptake of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) globally.

The IMF issued the “Central Bank Digital Currency Adoption Inclusive Strategies for Intermediaries and Users” paper on Sept. 21. The paper recommended implementing inclusive strategies for intermediaries and end-users. It introduced a high-level framework for regulation, education, design and deployment and incentives (REDI) to help spur CBDC adoption. 

According to the IMF staff members, successful CBDC adoption will require proactive strategic policy and design choices that benefit end-users and intermediaries. Therefore, they urged central banks to focus on stakeholder engagement.

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Global Asset Freeze Targets Fugitive ‘Cryptoqueen’ and Onecoin

Global Asset Freeze Targets Fugitive ‘Cryptoqueen’ and OnecoinA London high court has announced a global asset freeze targeting Onecoin’s co-founder Ruja Ignatova and associates. Over 400 investors sought this legal action after losing millions in the Onecoin cryptocurrency scam. The asset freeze prevents further movement of Ignatova’s wealth, possibly aiding victims’ compensation. Onecoin’s Ruja Ignatova Faces Global Asset Freeze Amid Investor Lawsuit […]

Charles Schwab plans to offer spot crypto trading as US rules evolve under Trump

El Salvador and IMF Advance Talks on Bitcoin Risk Mitigation and Economic Reforms

El Salvador and IMF Advance Talks on Bitcoin Risk Mitigation and Economic ReformsThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reported progress in negotiations with El Salvador on policies to strengthen public finances, boost bank reserves, improve governance, and address bitcoin risks. Although many BTC risks haven’t materialized for El Salvador, the IMF stated that both parties agree on the need for enhanced transparency and measures to ensure fiscal […]

Charles Schwab plans to offer spot crypto trading as US rules evolve under Trump

Bitcoin Policy Group Urges UK to Retain Bitcoin Holdings

Bitcoin Policy Group Urges UK to Retain Bitcoin HoldingsThe Bitcoin Policy Group has issued a warning to the United Kingdom, advising against the sale of its 61,000 bitcoins. The group argues that maintaining these holdings is crucial for the nation’s economic strategy and future financial stability. U.K. Urged to Retain 61,000 Bitcoins by Bitcoin Policy Group In their letter, the Bitcoin Policy Group […]

Charles Schwab plans to offer spot crypto trading as US rules evolve under Trump

Korean Researcher Says Benefits of Spot Crypto ETFs Are Outweighed by Potential Harm

Korean Researcher Says Benefits of Spot Crypto ETFs Are Outweighed by Potential HarmA researcher with the Korean Institute of Finance has warned South Korea against introducing spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) because these may pose risks to financial stability. The introduction of spot crypto ETFs could exacerbate the inefficient allocation of resources. Spot Crypto ETFs Cause Inefficient Allocation of Resources Bo-mi Lee, a researcher with the Korean […]

Charles Schwab plans to offer spot crypto trading as US rules evolve under Trump