Bolivian central bank considering CBDC issuance (PaymentMedia)
Banco Central de Bolivia (BCB) reportedly confirmed that it is looking into the possibility of issuing a digital boliviano at its “XVIII Monetary Policy in the Digital Age” conference. BCB President Edwin explained that technical workshops have already been held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as part of the establishment of an operational base for a future digital version of the national currency. The main motivations would be to improve the efficiency of the payment system, promote financial inclusion and maintain monetary stability and digital sovereignty in the face of expanding interest in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. [Read more at PaymentMedia]
Bhutan enables tourists to pay with crypto (Fintech Singapore)
Bhutan has launched a national crypto payment system for tourism, enabling international visitors to use crypto for a wide range of travel-related expenses. The initiative is a collaboration between Binance Pay, DK Bank, and Bhutan’s Department of Tourism. DK Bank, a fully digital bank licensed by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan, manages settlement for merchants in local currency. Under the system, travelers with Binance accounts can pay local merchants for services and goods using crypto-assets with “near-zero” fees. Transactions are completed using dynamic or static QR codes via the Binance app. [Read more at Binance]
Upcoming Speaking Engagements:
The CB+DC Conference (Nassau, Bahamas, September 9-11) is a premier gathering centered on CBDCs, tokenized assets, and stablecoins. It provides a forum for central bankers, commercial bankers, technology innovators, policymakers, and academics to explore the latest advancements in digital currency, engage with experts and peers, and discuss the future of digital currency. [Register here but before you do, email me at john@kiffmeister.com for a 15% discount]


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.

