Tag: bank

  • Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) joins Dubai FinTech Summit as a Strategic Banking Partner | by BitMedia Buzz | Apr, 2024

    Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) joins Dubai FinTech Summit as a Strategic Banking Partner | by BitMedia Buzz | Apr, 2024

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    InsiderFinance Wire

    Our PR partner, yourPRstrategist, is a proud media partner of the Dubai FinTech Summit, and we are pleased to extend their 10% discount to our community. Discount code: YPRS10

    The collaboration reinforces Dubai FinTech Summit and CBD’s shared commitment to strengthen the global financial ecosystem through innovation and knowledge exchange. The partnership will open doors to new opportunities for growth and development of the fintech sector.

    Dubai, U.A.E., April 8, 2024 — Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), one of the UAE’s leading national banks, has joined the Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS), organised by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the MEASA region, as a Strategic Banking Partner, underscoring its dedication to supporting innovative and future thinking businesses on a global scale. The partnership agreement was signed in the presence of Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer and DIFC Authority, and Dr. Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank of Dubai, by Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub, and Ali Imran, Chief Operating Officer of Commercial Bank of Dubai.

    Commercial Bank of Dubai was the first bank to establish a Digital Lab at the DIFC Innovation Hub. Over the years, the bank has been playing a pivotal role in the development of a dynamic and technology-driven financial ecosystem, paving the way for a smarter, more connected financial future. Through strategic programs and initiatives such as the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution by Postpay, CBD has been actively engaged in enhancing the overall payments sector aimed at accelerating the growth of the FinTech industry.

    “The Dubai FinTech Summit is creating a powerhouse of partnerships bringing together pioneers, thinkers and disruptors from around the globe who are shaping the future of finance. Our collaboration with Commercial Bank of Dubai is a testament to our shared dedication in cultivating an energetic and forward-thinking FinTech ecosystem. It not only amplifies Dubai’s stature as a premier hub for business but also paves the way for us to convert challenges into avenues of opportunity, as we continue to cultivate the most sophisticated, inclusive and tech-savvy financial community on the global stage,” said Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer at DIFC Authority

    Dr. Bernd van Linder, Chief Executive Officer at Commercial Bank of Dubai, said, “Commercial Bank of Dubai is thrilled to be a part of the Dubai FinTech Summit 2024, a global platform that brings together the brightest minds in the industry to shape the future of finance. Our participation in this event aligns with our commitment to innovation and our vision to be at the forefront of the FinTech revolution. As a forward-thinking bank, we place our customers at the heart of our business, constantly striving to provide them with innovative solutions that meet their evolving needs. We are proud to have signed an MoU as Strategic Banking Partner with Dubai International Finance Centre as part of our sponsorship partnership. We look forward to engaging in insightful discussions and exploring new opportunities for growth and collaboration.”

    In line with the D33 Agenda to position Dubai as the top four global financial hub by 2033, the 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit is designed to encourage cross-border collaboration and innovation, pivotal to transforming the global FinTech sector. It presents a unique opportunity to explore emerging FinTech trends and their potential to drive financial progress in the MEASA region.

    The Dubai FinTech Summit, scheduled for May 6–7, 2024, at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, will see an unprecedented gathering of over 8,000 decision-makers, over 300 thought leaders and over 200 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies.

    Visitors can purchase tickets for the Dubai FinTech Summit 2024, with early bird prices ending soon.

    About Dubai FinTech Summit

    Dubai FinTech Summit is an annual mega event organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit will bring together over 8,000+ global industry leaders, 1,500+ investors, and policymakers, signaling increased appetite for growth opportunities in the region.

    Dubai FinTech Summit signals a new wave of financial innovation, opportunity, transformation, and growth for the international financial services sector. As a rising FinTech hub, Dubai is also spearheading the evolution of the financial services industry, with investments in FinTech projected to grow by 17.2% CAGR to USD 949 billion from 2022 to 2030. The summit aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33’s strategic goal of propelling Dubai into the ranks of the top four global financial hubs by 2033.

    The expanded programme of Dubai FinTech Summit is set to exceed expectations by delving into key tracks, including the future of FinTech, embedded and Open Finance, climate finance, Web3 and digital assets. The summit stands as a thought leadership-driven platform, addressing industry challenges head-on and championing innovation.

    To register for the event, visit www.dubaifintechsummit.com.

    For further enquiries, please contact:

    Samia Ahmad

    Assistant Manager, Marketing

    DIFC Innovation Hub

    +971529980096

    E: samia.ahmad@difc.ae

    Shadi Dawi

    Director of PR & Strategic Partnerships

    Trescon Global

    +971 55 498 4989

    shadi@tresconglobal.com

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  • India’s Digital Rupee Expands: Non-Banks to Offer Central Bank Digital Currency Wallets

    India’s Digital Rupee Expands: Non-Banks to Offer Central Bank Digital Currency Wallets

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    India's Digital Rupee Expands: Non-Banks to Offer Central Bank Digital Currency WalletsIndia’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 […]

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  • Hong Kong’s ZA Bank Targets Stablecoin Issuers

    Hong Kong’s ZA Bank Targets Stablecoin Issuers

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    Hong Kong’s virtual lender ZA Bank is embracing
    digital finance by engaging potential stablecoin issuers to establish fiat
    reserve accounts. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating digital assets into the traditional banking sector in Hong Kong as the country explores listing crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to enhance its presence in the sector.

    According to a report by Bloomberg, ZA Bank’s
    Alternate Chief Executive, Devon Sin, disclosed in a recent interview about the
    bank’s initiative to engage with existing and prospective stablecoin
    issuers. Sin emphasized the versatility of stablecoins,
    highlighting their potential applications in wholesale and retail markets,
    tokenization , exchange trading settlements, and cross-border remittances.

    He expressed ZA Bank’s interest in exploring use cases for stablecoins with potential issuers under the supervision of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Hong Kong aims to position itself as a digital asset
    hub. The city has taken significant strides in regulating the crypto sector,
    licensing its first crypto trading platforms, and exploring the listing of
    ETFs.

    Additionally, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is in
    the process of formulating a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which
    typically maintain a 1-1 peg to fiat currency and are backed by
    cash and bond reserves. ZA Bank has reportedly facilitated over $1 billion in
    transfers from more than 100 Web 3 clients.

    Hong Kong Regulates Stablecoin Issuers

    Last year, Hong Kong introduced new regulations for
    stablecoin issuers. The proposed rules, outlined in a consultation paper by the
    Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary
    Authority, marked a significant move towards ensuring stability and security
    within the digital asset ecosystem, Finance Magnates reported.

    The consultation paper defined stablecoins as digital
    assets pegged to one or more fiat currencies, aiming to maintain a stable
    value. Under the proposed rules, stablecoin issuers actively marketing
    their fiat-referenced stablecoins to users in Hong Kong must obtain a local
    license.

    Notably, algorithmic stablecoins are not permitted in the region, a decision influenced by the collapse of the algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD. To obtain a license in Hong Kong, stablecoin issuers must adhere to
    stringent requirements.

    They must maintain a full reserve of assets backing the stablecoins, ensuring they are at least equal to the par value. These reserves
    must be segregated, and securely stored, and regularly reported to regulators. Additionally, stablecoin issuers must establish a local presence by appointing key personnel, including a Chief Executive Officer and senior management team.

    Hong Kong’s virtual lender ZA Bank is embracing
    digital finance by engaging potential stablecoin issuers to establish fiat
    reserve accounts. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating digital assets into the traditional banking sector in Hong Kong as the country explores listing crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to enhance its presence in the sector.

    According to a report by Bloomberg, ZA Bank’s
    Alternate Chief Executive, Devon Sin, disclosed in a recent interview about the
    bank’s initiative to engage with existing and prospective stablecoin
    issuers. Sin emphasized the versatility of stablecoins,
    highlighting their potential applications in wholesale and retail markets,
    tokenization , exchange trading settlements, and cross-border remittances.

    He expressed ZA Bank’s interest in exploring use cases for stablecoins with potential issuers under the supervision of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Hong Kong aims to position itself as a digital asset
    hub. The city has taken significant strides in regulating the crypto sector,
    licensing its first crypto trading platforms, and exploring the listing of
    ETFs.

    Additionally, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority is in
    the process of formulating a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which
    typically maintain a 1-1 peg to fiat currency and are backed by
    cash and bond reserves. ZA Bank has reportedly facilitated over $1 billion in
    transfers from more than 100 Web 3 clients.

    Hong Kong Regulates Stablecoin Issuers

    Last year, Hong Kong introduced new regulations for
    stablecoin issuers. The proposed rules, outlined in a consultation paper by the
    Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary
    Authority, marked a significant move towards ensuring stability and security
    within the digital asset ecosystem, Finance Magnates reported.

    The consultation paper defined stablecoins as digital
    assets pegged to one or more fiat currencies, aiming to maintain a stable
    value. Under the proposed rules, stablecoin issuers actively marketing
    their fiat-referenced stablecoins to users in Hong Kong must obtain a local
    license.

    Notably, algorithmic stablecoins are not permitted in the region, a decision influenced by the collapse of the algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD. To obtain a license in Hong Kong, stablecoin issuers must adhere to
    stringent requirements.

    They must maintain a full reserve of assets backing the stablecoins, ensuring they are at least equal to the par value. These reserves
    must be segregated, and securely stored, and regularly reported to regulators. Additionally, stablecoin issuers must establish a local presence by appointing key personnel, including a Chief Executive Officer and senior management team.



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  • Central Bank of Kenya Releases Discussion Paper on CBDCs

    Central Bank of Kenya Releases Discussion Paper on CBDCs

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    Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), a phenomenon that took over the global financial system in 2021, is now getting popular among African economies. Recently, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) published a discussion paper on CBDCs to highlight different opportunities and risks associated with the central bank digital currencies.

    CBK noted that AML, technology risks, and infrastructure costs are some of the major risks associated with CBDCs. However, the bank also outlined a few prominent features of the digital currencies including the expansion of cross-border payments, financial stability, innovation, and financial inclusion.

    The Kenyan central bank highlighted the rising popularity of digital tools in the global payments industry. “Following the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, digital platforms have emerged as important financial inclusion tools across the world. To reap the full benefits and manage risks, policymakers are looking to step up. Central banks are exploring the possibility of rolling out CBDC solutions to meet their future payments needs in a digital economy,” CBK mentioned.

    According to a recent survey conducted by the Bank for International Settlements, nearly 86% of central banks around the world are exploring the possibilities of CBDCs.

    Risks

    The Central Bank of Kenya said that it is monitoring the ongoing developments in the global CBDC ecosystem. While the bank outlined the potential advantages of CBDCs, it added that the disadvantages of digital assets must be considered before further developments.

    “There are significant potential risks with CBDC issuance. These include financial exclusion, technology risks, competing with bank deposits and undermining bank intermediation, hampering monetary policy transmission, Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), and data privacy balance and infrastructure costs,” the Central Bank of Kenya added.

    Recently, the Bank of Korea announced the completion of the first phase of its central bank digital currency testing.

    Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), a phenomenon that took over the global financial system in 2021, is now getting popular among African economies. Recently, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) published a discussion paper on CBDCs to highlight different opportunities and risks associated with the central bank digital currencies.

    CBK noted that AML, technology risks, and infrastructure costs are some of the major risks associated with CBDCs. However, the bank also outlined a few prominent features of the digital currencies including the expansion of cross-border payments, financial stability, innovation, and financial inclusion.

    The Kenyan central bank highlighted the rising popularity of digital tools in the global payments industry. “Following the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, digital platforms have emerged as important financial inclusion tools across the world. To reap the full benefits and manage risks, policymakers are looking to step up. Central banks are exploring the possibility of rolling out CBDC solutions to meet their future payments needs in a digital economy,” CBK mentioned.

    According to a recent survey conducted by the Bank for International Settlements, nearly 86% of central banks around the world are exploring the possibilities of CBDCs.

    Risks

    The Central Bank of Kenya said that it is monitoring the ongoing developments in the global CBDC ecosystem. While the bank outlined the potential advantages of CBDCs, it added that the disadvantages of digital assets must be considered before further developments.

    “There are significant potential risks with CBDC issuance. These include financial exclusion, technology risks, competing with bank deposits and undermining bank intermediation, hampering monetary policy transmission, Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), and data privacy balance and infrastructure costs,” the Central Bank of Kenya added.

    Recently, the Bank of Korea announced the completion of the first phase of its central bank digital currency testing.

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  • Russia’s Central Bank Proposes Ban on the Use and Mining of Crypto

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    On Thursday January 20, the Bank of Russia published a report that proposes ban of the use and mining of cryptocurrencies within Russian territory. In the report, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation stated that
     
     cryptocurrencies 
    pose threats to financial stability, citizen’s wellbeing, and its monetary policy sovereignty. Furthermore, the regulator mentioned that the rapid growth of crypto coins was determined majorly by speculative demand and could lead to a market bubble that threatens citizens’ welfare and financial stability. The regulator further stated that crypto coins carry characteristics of a financial pyramid.

    The Russian Central Bank has therefore proposed prevention of financial institutions from conducting any operations involving crypto transactions. Moreover, the central bank identified that a mechanism should be created to block transactions aimed at selling or purchasing cryptocurrencies for fiat or traditional currencies. The regulator’s proposed ban includes cryptocurrency exchanges. In the report, the central bank described Russians as active crypto users making transactions volume of around $5 billion made per year. The authority disclosed that Russia is the third largest cryptocurrency mining country in the world. According to the new report, the “potential financial stability risks associated with cryptocurrencies are much higher for emerging markets, including in Russia.”

    Governments Are Strengthening Rules on Cryptocurrency

    The move by the Central Bank of Russia is the latest attempt to crackdown cryptocurrencies as multiple governments have also expressed similar concerns that crypto assets are a threat to their financial systems. Governments across the globe worry that privately operated digital currencies are highly volatile and could undermine their control of their monetary and financial systems. A few days ago, Erik Thedéen, the vice chairman of the European Securities and Markets Authority, expressed concerns that Bitcoin mining has become a national issue for his native country, Sweden. Thedéen warned that
     
     crypto mining 
    poses a risk to meeting climate change goals highlighted in the Paris Agreement. Recently, the Central Bank of Pakistan proposed a ban on cryptocurrency while US authorities discuss about the need for more regulations within the industry. Last year, China’s PBOC imposed a complete ban on cryptocurrencies, citing illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies (such as pyramid schemes, gambling, and money laundering) could disrupt the national economy.

    On Thursday January 20, the Bank of Russia published a report that proposes ban of the use and mining of cryptocurrencies within Russian territory. In the report, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation stated that
     
     cryptocurrencies 
    pose threats to financial stability, citizen’s wellbeing, and its monetary policy sovereignty. Furthermore, the regulator mentioned that the rapid growth of crypto coins was determined majorly by speculative demand and could lead to a market bubble that threatens citizens’ welfare and financial stability. The regulator further stated that crypto coins carry characteristics of a financial pyramid.

    The Russian Central Bank has therefore proposed prevention of financial institutions from conducting any operations involving crypto transactions. Moreover, the central bank identified that a mechanism should be created to block transactions aimed at selling or purchasing cryptocurrencies for fiat or traditional currencies. The regulator’s proposed ban includes cryptocurrency exchanges. In the report, the central bank described Russians as active crypto users making transactions volume of around $5 billion made per year. The authority disclosed that Russia is the third largest cryptocurrency mining country in the world. According to the new report, the “potential financial stability risks associated with cryptocurrencies are much higher for emerging markets, including in Russia.”

    Governments Are Strengthening Rules on Cryptocurrency

    The move by the Central Bank of Russia is the latest attempt to crackdown cryptocurrencies as multiple governments have also expressed similar concerns that crypto assets are a threat to their financial systems. Governments across the globe worry that privately operated digital currencies are highly volatile and could undermine their control of their monetary and financial systems. A few days ago, Erik Thedéen, the vice chairman of the European Securities and Markets Authority, expressed concerns that Bitcoin mining has become a national issue for his native country, Sweden. Thedéen warned that
     
     crypto mining 
    poses a risk to meeting climate change goals highlighted in the Paris Agreement. Recently, the Central Bank of Pakistan proposed a ban on cryptocurrency while US authorities discuss about the need for more regulations within the industry. Last year, China’s PBOC imposed a complete ban on cryptocurrencies, citing illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies (such as pyramid schemes, gambling, and money laundering) could disrupt the national economy.

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  • Commonwealth Bank to enable crypto trading for 6.5M Aussies, ‘other banks will follow’

    Commonwealth Bank to enable crypto trading for 6.5M Aussies, ‘other banks will follow’

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    The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) is set to launch crypto trading services for the 6.5 million users of its CommBank app.

    The CBA will become the first bank in Australia to support crypto, and Blockchain Australia says it is “inevitable” that the other ‘big four’ banks including National Australia Bank (NAB), Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) and Westpac will soon follow suit.

    According to a Nov. 3 announcement, the CBA has partnered with the Gemini crypto exchange and blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis to launch its crypto services. The bank will launch a pilot for a limited number of customers in the coming weeks, before rolling out the full service in 2022.

    Ten crypto assets will be supported in its banking app, with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and Litecoin (LTC) named at this stage.

    Steve Vallas, CEO of Blockchain Australia told Cointelegraph that this move was “extraordinarily important” as the big four banks in Australia “underpin our national and international reputation as a financial services destination.”

    “The confidence that this provides local digital asset sector participants will be dwarfed by the impact that this signal sends around the world that Australia should be a destination for cryptocurrency and digital asset adoption.”

    Vallas believes the rapid growth and adoption of crypto has “shifted the risk of maintaining a wait and see approach” in the view of the big banks to a risk of “inaction” and being left behind. Vallas believes it is only a matter of time before the other major Australian banks launch their own crypto services.

    “It is inevitable that the other banks will follow suit. Clarity in the local regulatory landscape is emerging with issues such as licensing being tackled head on by industry and by Governments. That impediments to action and participation are being removed,” he said.

    Caroline Bowler, the CEO of local crypto exchange BTC Markets echoed similar sentiments to Vallas, noting that “with regulation in the offing and the largest bank in the country allowing it, the floodgates are now open for more appetite from traditional finance.”

    “CBA’s move is exciting and inevitable. It’s yet another ‘red-letter day’ for crypto and it is as though Australia has suddenly put the lead foot down. We have been touted as playing catch up all this while, but now we’re moving into a leadership position globally with our largest bank.”

    Dave Abner, the Global Head of Business Development at Gemini said that his firm was “proud” to be working with CBA to launch world leading crypto services.

    “The exponential growth of digital assets internationally, coupled with Gemini’s institutional-grade security and proactive regulatory approach, positions this partnership to set a new standard for banks and financial platforms in Australia and across the globe,” he said.

    Not everyone was pleased with CBA’s partnership however, with Adrian Przelozny the CEO of Australian crypto exchange Independent Reserve expressing his dismay over the bank partnering with an overseas firm.

    “It’s disappointing that CBA went with an overseas player and didn’t engage with local players at all. We will be reaching out to the other Australian banks now,” Przelozny said.

    Related: Australian Senators pushing for country to become the next crypto hub

    Cointelegraph reported on Oct. 15 that Allan Flynn, a Canberra-based Bitcoin trade settled his first complaint at the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal against ANZ for de-banking him in 2018 and 2019 due to his occupation as a Digital Currency Exchange (DCE).

    While ANZ denied any liability, the bank offered him a chance to reapply for a bank account, suggesting that the bank is more open to crypto than it was two to three years ago. Flynn also has a similar case against Westpac ongoing.

    Commenting on today’s news, Flynn told Cointelegraph that the crypto landscape in Australia is rapidly changing:

    “There a lot of things suddenly happening in the Australian Bitcoin space; you have the Senate inquiry, ANZ’s acknowledgment of a legit human rights question to be answered in my complaint, AUSTRAC’s extraordinary statement on de-banking last Friday and now CBA’s digital currency plans being unveiled.”

    “I’m just here arguing my lawful human rights and hoping it makes a difference,” he added.