FYI it’s been a few days since I last posted a Daily Digest (September 8) but that’s simply that there was no news (until now) that cleared my importance bar. So rest assured that we didn’t miss anything of importance!

The CBDCTracker.org database has been updated, now counting a total of 104 jurisdictions and/or currency unions engaged in central bank digital currency (CBDC) research. For more information, please read Atakan Kavuklu’s summary of recent developments [here] and visit the CBDCTracker.org website.

Bank of Russia targets July 2025 for digital ruble launch (CoinDesk)

The Bank of Russia wants the country’s largest banks to support a digital ruble for retail and commercial use by July 2025, after which a full launch will take place. Customers will have to be able to “open and top up digital ruble accounts, make transfers, and accept digital rubles in their infrastructure”. The Bank has sent its proposals to amend the relevant laws to the Russian Ministry of Finance. Smaller banks will be given until July 1, 2026 to follow suit, While other credit institutions have to make sure they comply with the requirement by July 1, 2027. [Read more at the Bank of Russia]

U.K. tables legislation to clarify digital asset property rights (Ledger Insights)

The U.K. Ministry of Justice introduced new legislation aiming to clarify that digital assets can be considered as “property” in the United Kingdom. It follows an extensive review by the U.K. Law Commission, which drafted the legislation and conducted a consultation. [Read the legislation here]

Grayscale launches a new XRP Trust (CoinDesk)

Grayscale launched XRP Trust, a closed-end fund giving investors exposure to XRP that could pave the way for a U.S. spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). Grayscale previously offered an XRP Trust but dissolved it in 2021 following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 2020 lawsuit against Ripple Labs that alleged the XRP token is a security under federal securities law. [Read more at CoinDesk]

Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

• Digital Currency Conference, London, September 23-24. The conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, and technology and innovation experts to network and discuss all aspects of digital currencies. And enter the KiffmeisterDCC code at registration to get a 20% discount! [Find out more and register here]

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.