FYI my posts might get a bit irregular and rougher over the next couple of weeks as I’m taking some vacation (the first in many years).

Russia plans to roll out digital ruble across all banks in 2024

The Bank of Russia continues working towards the gradual introduction of central bank digital currency (CBDC) according to the latest monetary policy update. The prototype digital ruble platform is currently being tested, and in 2023 the central bank plans to start pilot testing, including beta tests of digital ruble-based smart contracts for trades by a limited number of participants. If all goes to plan, the connection of banks and credit institutions to the digital ruble platform in will happen in 2024. [Read more at the Bank of Russia]

Crypto collapse: Coinbase’s billion-dollar bloodbath, Hodlnaut goes down, Celsius, Voyager, 3AC

The latest from David Gerard and Amy Castor on the darker side of crypto markets, including Coinbase’s second consecutive quarter of losses, Asian crypto lender Hodlnaut halting withdrawals, the Celsius bankruptcy, and more! [Read more on David’s blog here]

Kiffmeister’s Global Central Bank Digital Currency Monthly Monitor

Just a reminder that I produce a monthly digest of central bank digital currency (CBDC) developments exclusively for the official sector. So for any of you out there who work for a central bank, ministry of finance or international financial institution who would like to receive it by email on the first business day of every month, please DM me on LinkedIn or email me at chronicles@kiffmeister.com.

Upcoming events I’m affiliated with:

The CBDC Think Tank, in partnership with the International Monetary Fund and George Washington University, is hosting a full-day in-person CBDC Masterclass on October 12 in Washington DC. The sessions are designed as instructional deep dives with full presentations and Q&A components.  [Register here]

The CBDC Think Tank, in partnership with Georgetown University and the DC FinTech Week, is hosting a Digital Currency Lecture Series, a set of digital currency lightning talks delivered by subject matter experts, on October 14 in Washington DC. [Request an invite here]