Payments & Financial Services

Singapore grants non-banks access to e-payments infrastructure

Singapore’s central bank is opening up its retail payments infrastructure to non-banks from February 2021 to simplify e-payments for consumers and businesses. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced on Monday that […]

Tallinn tales: Estonia’s role in developing the digital euro

Rainer Olt is leading research on digital currency technology for Estonia’s central bank. In an interview with Ian Hall, he talks blockchain, privacy and instant payments Estonia boasts a well-forged reputation […]

Brazil central bank launches instant payments system ‘Pix’

Brazil’s central bank launched a state-run instant payments platform this week for citizens, the private sector and government entities. The scheme, known as Pix, is part of Agenda BC#, which […]

Switzerland launches Green Fintech Network

Switzerland’s government has launched a Green Fintech Network to identify and propose new measures that will improve the operating environment for start-ups involved with sustainable finance and tech. The network […]

Regulators launch global fintech sandbox

More than 20 regulators from countries including the UK, Canada, USA and Australia have opened applications for a global fintech “sandbox” following a trial last year. Sandboxes allow fintechs and […]

Russia launches public consultation on ‘digital ruble’

Russia has launched a public consultation on a central bank digital currency (CBDC) ahead of a possible ‘digital ruble’ pilot before the end of next year. It is the latest […]
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UK government sets out approach to protect cash system

The UK government has set out proposals to protect access to cash. One suggestion is that retailers could provide cashback without requiring customers to make a purchase. The ‘Access to […]

The final lap: an interview with the UK’s open banking champion

With use of open banking gathering pace in the UK, Imran Gulamhuseinwala tells Ian Hall about the journey so far, the challenges ahead – and open banking’s potential for government. […]

Estonia launches research into digital currency

Estonia has kicked off research into the suitability of its e-government technology for operating a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The country’s central bank, Eesti Pank, has launched what it […]

UK open banking users surpass two million with payments projected to drive further growth

More than two million people are now using open banking-enabled products in the UK – a doubling in usage in just over six months, despite the challenges created by the […]