Digital Currency
The Bank for International Settlements has appointed the IMF's digital money chief, described as a CBDC hawk, to head its innovation hub as it advances pilots for cross‑border CBDCs, tokenized deposits and real‑time payment rails.
The Bank for International Settlements on Tuesday named a new head of its Innovation Hub, which oversees central-bank research into digital currencies, AI and other emerging technologies. The appointment underscores continued institutional momentum behind CBDC research and cross-border tech coordination.
New Zealand will embed digital currency and financial literacy into the national curriculum from 2026, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced, with full mandatory rollout for years 1–10 by 2027. The change aims to equip young people for a digital economy and safer participation in crypto markets.
The UAE completed its first national transaction using the Digital Dirham — a central bank digital currency — between the Ministry of Finance and the Dubai Department of Finance, confirmed on 11 November 2025. The payment settled in under two minutes, signaling rapid progress in national CBDC adoption.
Several US states are moving towards launching state-backed stablecoins built on blockchain technology, aiming to revolutionize the digital payments landscape by enhancing security and transparency. This initiative marks a significant step in the adoption of digital currencies at the governmental level.
On July 16, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives delayed critical cryptocurrency legislation due to internal Republican disagreements. Despite a key stablecoin framework bill poised for presidential approval, broader crypto legislative progress remains stalled amid debates on digital currency proposals.
The Bank of Korea has suspended its central bank digital currency (CBDC) trials after participating banks showed increased interest in government-endorsed stablecoins. This shift highlights the evolving landscape of digital currencies in South Korea and the impact of regulatory decisions on CBDC development.
Mastercard is paving the way for a future enriched with stablecoin transactions. By partnering with MoonPay, users can convert stablecoins like USDC into local currencies for real-world purchases. This innovation includes debit cards linked to crypto holdings and on-chain identity tools, aiming to simplify cross-border payments. However, the U.S. legislation on stablecoins is currently stalled, with bipartisan negotiations still ongoing.