Central bank digital currencies and democratic values
The OECD published a paper, with contributions from Satoshi Capital Advisors, that explores how the design and implementation of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) can help countries mitigate threats to individual liberties and human rights, as well as promote the equitable treatment of citizens, the protection of privacy, and citizens’ trust in central banks. The sound governance architecture of CBDC systems can further support these objectives. [Read more at the OECD]
India negotiates cross-border CBDC payments with global central banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is reportedly in dialogue with its counterparts from at least 18 other countries on the possibility of cross-border payments in the digital rupee. Central banks from these countries have already opened rupee vostro accounts since July 2022. India is eager to promote CBDC as a payment method for importing Indian goods for countries that are struggling with the U.S. dollar supply. [Read more at the Economic Times]
Digital euro and privacy: Analysis of the EC regulatory proposal
On June 28, the European Commission published a regulatory proposal for the digital euro, on which the it suggested a way to design a digital euro and how to integrate it into EU laws. Jonas Gross reviewed the proposal with a focus on its privacy aspects, including how it can be ensured that major design elements, such as related to privacy, will not be changed over time. It will need clear rules on governance and democratic political procedures for changes in the design. Further, it should be seriously considered to make (part of) the code open source, e.g., around the exact data that is recorded. [Read more on Jonas’s blog]
The IMF published a paper on crypto-asset taxation. The greatest challenges are for implementation: crypto’s quasi-anonymity is an inherent obstacle to third-party reporting. Design problems arise from crypto’ dual nature as investment assets and means of payment: more straightforward is a compelling case for corrective taxation of carbon-intensive mining. Ownership is highly concentrated at the top, but many crypto investors have only moderate incomes. The capital gains tax revenue at stake worldwide may be in the tens of billions of dollars, but the more profound risks may ultimately be for VAT/sales taxes. [Read more at the IMF]
*For those interested in intra-day updates, check out my searchable Diigo Fintech developments database, which is also a good place to go to query for past developments: https://www.diigo.com/user/kiffmeister/ART.
Upcoming conferences, webinars and speaking engagements:
- I’ll be lecturing at the Digital Euro Association (DEA) Digital Money Academy on July 27, 2023. [Register 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.
The Sovereign Official Digital Association (SODA) is a technology-agnostic firm offering advisory services at the intersection of central banking, digital finance and the web3 industry, aiming to make public digital money a reality. SODA believes institutions in the existing financial ecosystem should have access to the tools and resources they need to move from discussion to action. SODA offers ‘real life’ use cases to help test digital money and drive adoption as central banks and other public institutions explore the future of a more financially inclusive world powered by interoperable blockchain-based networks. SODA would love you to join us on this journey – please get in touch (chris@sodapublicmoney.org).
Satoshi Capital Advisors is a New York-based, global advisory firm that works with central banks, governments, and the private sector to architect, implement, and operate varying initiatives. Satoshi Capital Advisors’ central bank work revolves around CBDC architecture and implementation, providing advisory services from research phase through to growth phase. Utilizing a product-market fit and technology agnostic approach to CBDC architecture and implementation enables Satoshi Capital Advisors to build tailored solutions, bespoke to local financial system nuances. Satoshi Capital Advisors welcomes requests from central bank officials for virtual and in-person CBDC workshops. [Click here for more information]
WhisperCash offers the first fully offline digital currency platform that has the same properties as physical cash. It can perform secure consecutive offline payments without compromising on security, privacy or accessibility. WhisperCash allows direct person to person offline payments without any server infrastructure or internet connectivity. It comes in various form factors including the self-contained credit card-sized “Pro” that sports an eInk screen and capacitive keyboard, and lasts for two weeks between recharges assuming a few transactions per day. [Click here for more information]