EU Seeks Nominations for Stakeholder Group on Tokenization Standards in Finance (ECB)
The European Central Bank (ECB), the European Commission (EC), and European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) launched a call for nominations from wholesale financial industry stakeholders to join the newly established European Tokenisation Standards Group (ETSG). The ETSG is tasked with developing common standards and compliance-monitoring frameworks to foster an interconnected tokenized financial ecosystem. Operating on a market-driven basis with industry-led chairs and institutional observers, the initiative invites participation from diverse entities, including European Union (EU) associations, private institutions, and financial technology companies. Interested bodies must submit their applications by November 27, 2026. [ECB]
Canada’s Real-Time Payments System Launches (Finextra)
Payments Canada has launched its Real-Time Rail (RTR) payments system that will enable participating financial institutions, credit unions, and payment service providers to execute secure, 24/7 clearing and settlement. Unlike existing consumer networks that rely on deferred batch settlement, the RTR provides immediate, irrevocable clearing and settlement while adopting the global ISO 20022 messaging standard for rich remittance data. As an open national infrastructure rather than a closed payment scheme, the RTR supports direct participant innovation and planned cross-border connectivity with systems like the Eurosystem’s Target Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS). The rollout pairs day-one security with rapid scalability, and the initial launch cohort does not include Canada’s Big Six domestic banks. However, additional participants will be onboarded continually in the coming months, including all major Canadian financial institutions and other Payments Canada members applying for access. [Finextra]
BTW if you want to see a complete database of my DFC-related posts going back years, including many that didn’t make the Daily Digest cut, click here.
FYI I produce a monthly digest of digital fiat currency (DFC) developments exclusively for the official sector (e.g., central banks, ministries of finance and international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank)) plus academics and firms that are active in the DFC space (commercial banks, technology providers, consultants, etc.). (DFCs include central bank digital currency (CBDC), stablecoins and tokenized deposits.) It goes out via email on the first business day of every month, and if you’re interested in being on the mailing list, please email me at john@kiffmeister.com.
