Understanding the technology underlying cryptocurrencies

Blockchain technology could prove transformative for industries, including financial services. A primer on technology, sponsored by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, was recently published. It highlights the array of opportunities and challenges that blockchain's popularity could have on the financial industry, among many other fields. A blockchain is a shared ledger of transactions between parties in a network. It can diminish the role of intermediaries in the transfer of data. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) sees far-reaching potential for blockchain in the global economy. Blockchains can vary in the way they operate. One of the prime strengths of a blockchain is its immutability. Once a transaction is made to the ledger, it can not be undone. The first U.S. bitcoin futures exchange-traded fund became available in October 2021. Forty percent of fund selectors report that clients are increasingly demanding cryptocurrency solutions. 70% say their firms need additional digital assets and cryptocurrency education before investing in them.

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To boost trade, Africa is simplifying international payment systems

It's hard to transfer money between African countries. The Ghanaian king settled a bill with a Nigerian attorney. His experience highlights a systemic problem impeding Africa's economic growth: high transaction costs and inconvenience. 15% of all imports and exports occur between 55 African countries. 60% of Asian trade is within Asia. 70% in EU. The difficulty of international payments hinders African trade. There are also high tariffs, long border procedures, and congested roads. Proponents of AfCFTA say easing trade restrictions will boost trade, FDI, and economic growth. 50 million people will be lifted out of extreme poverty by 2035 due to the accord's positive impact on real income, which is projected to rise 9.1%. Another issue: In Africa, currency values fluctuate. From July 2021 to 2022, Ghana's currency fell from 6 to 8. Volatile currencies make financial transactions more costly and risky. To overcome these problems, PAPSS facilitates financial transactions ...

This summer, the Fed will take another step toward creating a digital money

This summer, the Federal Reserve will publish a research paper that examines the possibility of a central bank digital currency. Multiple countries' initiatives in the central bank digital currency arena, most notably China's, have heightened debate about how aggressively the Fed should act. The Federal Reserve is pushing ahead with its plans to create its own digital currency, stating that a study paper will be released this summer that will go deeper into the topic. Despite the fact that the central bank did not announce any particular plans for the currency, Chairman Jerome Powell acknowledged advancements in payments technology and stated that the Fed has been "actively monitoring and responding" to those developments. In the statement, The proper operation of our economy requires that consumers have faith and confidence not only in the dollar, but also in the payment networks, banks, and other payment service providers that allow money to flow on a regular basi...

How will Blockchain boost trade in Africa?

Despite a regional economic slowdown in 2020, over a dozen African countries grew last year. Complicated trade rules and lengthy border processes stifle African economies. These long-standing issues need creative solutions. Blockchain is becoming more practical and scalable in developing markets. It has just opened a regulatory "sandbox" for innovative blockchain-based goods in Ghana. Standard Bank has joined Marco Polo, a trade financing network. Here are four ways blockchain may help African trade: 1. Customs The AU-EU trade deal is still in its infancy. Traditional customs bureaucracy prevents SMEs from joining global trade networks. This procedure can be automated and simplified, saving time and money. 2. Traceability Tracking cross-border goods correctly is critical for standard and certification verification. Already, blockchain is allowing ethical supply chains for a variety of African goods. Its open-source but secure design makes certificates easy to issue and verify...

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