Observers

SWIFT's take on unified ledgers, IMF's CBDC research and Brazil DREX vision. In the tokenization segment, Visa unveils a new tokenization platform that'll allow central banks and financial institutions to launch their own stablecoins.

Bahrain’s National Bank launches first Bitcoin investment fund. Bitget wallet integrates Grass AI for passive rewards. Tether and USDT celebrate 10th anniversary. Crypto sponsorships in EPL rise to £130M, signaling industry's push for legitimacy. Ethereum proposal EIP-7781 aims to cut block times from 12 to 8 seconds.

An ECB research paper on CBDC adoption strategies and cross border CBDC projects in Asia. Another digital note from HSBC as a new report on the state of tokenization reveals surging trading volumes and a spike in experimentation.

Swiss nonprofit BIO Association plans to launch BIO tokens for its biotech network. Ohio state senator introduces bill requiring Ohio to accept Bitcoin for taxes. Ocean launches decentralized mining protocol to combat Bitcoin centralization. FTX restructuring hearing set for October 7. Taiwan's FSC permits pro investors to invest

The patented blockchain is open-source, now been rebranded as "Hiero". Hedera has also launched a new Asset Tokenization Studio, an open-source toolkit that allows tokenized bonds and equities to be configured, issued, and managed on its network.

Australia and Canada abandon retail CBDCs, as a new Atlantic Council report shows 44 countries are now piloting one. Meanwhile, HSBC buys and sells tokenized gold with the help of quantum-secure technology.

Doubts grow on whether the U.S. will ever launch a digital dollar—as Russia steps up efforts to make its digital ruble a mainstream payment method.

Concerns are growing that central banks are beginning to roll out products and services that directly compete with the private sector—and critics say this could cause big problems.