The Basel-based Bank for International Settlements is the bank of central banks. General manager Agustín Carstens sits down to discuss central bank digital currencies and why there’s no “clear case” for an e-franc in Switzerland. On Libra, Carsten says it is a “provocative proposition” but that it still needs to build a better case to convince the BIS.Bank for International Settlements: Libra needs to make a better case
The Basel-based Bank for International Settlements is the bank of central banks. General manager Agustín Carstens sits down to discuss central bank digital currencies and why there’s no “clear case” for an e-franc in Switzerland. On Libra, Carsten says it is a “provocative proposition” but that it still needs to build a better case to convince the BIS.
Nov. 1: What happened in blockchain this week?
Here’s what happened in blockchain in Switzerland this week. The Swiss Blockchain Federation celebrates its first anniversary; Sygnum gets the go-ahead in Singapore; and a new contender eyes the Swiss banking sector.
Swiss Blockchain Federation: 2020 will be challenging
The Swiss Blockchain Federation is celebrating its first anniversary. The organization focuses on promoting Switzerland’s blockchain hub, which stretches from Ticino to Geneva. Its co-founders Mathias Ruch and Lorenz Furrer discuss Libra and express concern over a lack of funding for blockchain start-ups and self-promotion. “We have a lot of competitors all over the world,” says Furrer. “We have to fight for our position.”
Oct. 25: What happened in blockchain this week?
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg on Capitol Hill discusses Libra; SIX talks about the future of its Swiss digital exchange; and Crypto Valley expands from Zug to Vaduz, Liechtenstein.
SIX Digital Exchange: “From absolutely nothing to over 120 employees”
SIX is pushing ahead with the 2020 rollout of its digital assets exchange, maintaining that it is “reasonably on track” with a team over 100 people. Thomas Zeeb, head securities and exchanges, discusses regulatory roadblocks, partnership with the Swiss National Bank, and why they’re eyeing assets like art and wine. He also predicts that it will be at least a decade before SIX looks into “decommissioning” its traditional exchange. “And in our world at the moment,” he says, “that’s a heck of a long time.”
Oct. 18: What happened in blockchain this week?
Here’s what happened in blockchain in Switzerland this week. PostFinance and Energie Wasser Bern turn to blockchain to make electricity billing easier; Geneva trader MKS is behind a new gold-backed token; and 21 founding members sign the Libra charter in Geneva.
UNICEF targets USD 25 million in new cryptocurrency fund
The United Nations Children’s Fund is the latest organization to accept crypto donations. The Swiss-based Ethereum Foundation made the first donation of 100 Ether and 1 Bitcoin. Christopher Fabian from UNICEF Innovation says the new crypto fund is targeting USD 25 million but admits philanthropy and blockchain is still a niche.
October 11: What happened in blockchain this week?
Here’s what happened in blockchain this week. The Swiss National Bank links up with SIX and BIS on digital assets; Liechtenstein approves new Blockchain Act; and UNICEF opens new crypto fund.
Liechtenstein Blockchain Act steps ahead of Switzerland
The Liechtenstein Blockchain Act will go into effect on January 1, 2020. Thomas Nägele, president of the Crypto Country Association and co-author of the act, expects up to 20 Swiss companies to relocate to Liechtenstein next year. “When it comes to legislation, we are ahead,” he says.
October 4: What happened in blockchain this week?
Here’s what happened in blockchain in Switzerland this week. The Libra Association COO says requests to join the project are rolling in worldwide; the State Secretariat for International Finance shares its latest update on Libra; a new blockchain pilot in canton Schaffhausen; and gearing up for Crypto Finance Conference 2020.
