The CBDCTracker.org database has been updated, now counting a total of 102 jurisdictions and/or currency unions engaged in central bank digital currency (CBDC) research. Note that the Euro area, the Eastern Caribbean Economic and Currency Union and Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa are currency unions and only count as one. For more information, please read Jonas Gross’s summary of recent developments [here] and visit the CBDCTracker.org website.

Judge finds Ripple Labs liable for $125M penalty in SEC case (Cointelegraph)

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Analisa Torres has ordered Ripple Labs to pay a $125 million civil penalty and said the firm was “permanently restrained and enjoined” from violating U.S. securities laws as part of a case brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding Ripple’s sales of XRP tokens. The penalty is less than the $2 billion that the SEC was seeking, but more than the $10 million maximum that Ripple had proposed. Although this seemingly closes the long-running case, the SEC may appeal the judgment. Also, Judge Torres expressed doubts that Ripple won’t violate federal securities laws in the future give “Ripple’s willingness to push the boundaries” of the court order. [Read the judgment here]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

• Intertribal Foreign Affairs Council Forum 2024, Yidindji, August 30-31. The conference will bring together indigenous nations to showcase the excellence of their governance practices and generate new ideas for the future. I’ll be on a panel focused on the future of money and indigenous financial inclusion. [Find out more and register here]
• CBDC Conference, Istanbul, September 10-12. The conference will offer representatives of central banks, commercial banks, technology providers, policy makers and academics the perfect platform to learn about the latest CBDC developments, exchange ideas with experts and peers. [Find out more and register here][Central bank delegates may be eligible for free registration (email registration@cbdc-conference.com to find out more)]
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And just a reminder that I produce a monthly digest of central bank digital currency (CBDC) developments exclusively for the official sector. So (only) if you work at a central bank, ministry of finance or international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank) and 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 john@kiffmeister.com.