• October 7, 2024

European Central Bank Proposes Unified Digital Ledger

According to Cointelegraph, a European Central Bank (ECB) official has proposed the creation of a 'European ledger,' a unified blockchain platform for digital assets and money across the continent. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency and synergy within European digital markets. ECB executive board member Piero Cipollone highlighted the fragmentation and unharmonized legislation in Europe’s traditional capital markets, suggesting that a digital capital markets union could address these issues.Cipollone noted that over 60% of banks in the European Union are exploring or experimenting with distributed ledger technology (DLT), with another 22% already utilizing it. However, he emphasized that while DLT offers opportunities for financial integration, it does not guarantee it. He pointed out that non-interoperable technological ecosystems shaped by different national regulatory regimes have created isolated pools of asset liquidity, further entrenching fragmentation.Currently, DLT is primarily used for issuing assets, but extending its use to negotiation, settlement, and custody on a single platform could reduce costs and enable round-the-clock operations. Cipollone stated that investors would benefit from the broader use of DLT, but central banks also have a vested interest in ensuring that central bank money remains a cornerstone of stability in a token-based capital market.The concept of a unified ledger, where cash and assets coexist on the same platform, has garnered support from the Bank for International Settlements and various central banks. Institutions like SWIFT and JPMorgan have also shown interest. However, Cipollone cautioned that while a European ledger could promote financial stability and integration, it might also stifle innovation, particularly for specific use cases. He suggested that traditional finance might benefit more from the flexibility offered by competing DLT platforms.As these discussions continue, the ECB is exploring ways to settle DLT transactions with central bank money, despite concerns that relying on existing interoperability solutions in the long term could perpetuate inefficiencies.

  • October 7, 2024

Global Cryptocurrency Adoption Nears Significant Milestone

According to BlockBeats, a report from Matrixport reveals that global cryptocurrency adoption is approaching a significant milestone, with 7.51% of the world's population currently using cryptocurrencies. The report anticipates that by 2025, this figure will exceed 8%, indicating a potential shift of cryptocurrencies from a niche market to the mainstream financial system.The report highlights that the increasing involvement of institutions and economic uncertainty are key factors driving the steady growth in adoption.

  • October 6, 2024

Standard Chartered Explores Universal Stablecoin Development

According to PANews, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced the list of stablecoin issuer sandbox participants in July, with Standard Chartered being one of the selected entities. Dominic Maffei, the bank's Head of Digital Assets and Fintech, revealed that Standard Chartered is focusing on developing a 'universal stablecoin.' This stablecoin aims to connect various application scenarios, thereby expanding its potential for future development.