Distributed Ledger Technology Experiments in Payments and Settlements

Distributed Ledger Technology Experiments in Payments and Settlements PDF

Author: Mr.Ghiath Shabsigh

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2020-06-24

Total Pages: 22

ISBN-13: 1513536338

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Major transformations in payment and settlements have occurred in generations. The first generation was paper-based. Delivery times for payment instruments took several days domestically and weeks internationally. The second generation involved computerization with batch processing. Links between payment systems were made through manual or file-based interfaces. The change-over period between technologies was long and still some paper-based instruments like checks and cash remain in use. The third generation, which has been emerging, involves electronic and mobile payment schemes that enable integrated, immediate, and end-to-end payment and settlement transfers. For example, real-time gross settlement systems have been available in almost all countries. DLT has been viewed as a potential platform for the next generation of payment systems, enhancing the integration and the reconciliation of settlement accounts and their ledgers. So far, experiments with DLT experimentations point to the potential for financial infrastructures to move towards real-time settlement, flatter structures, continuous operations, and global reach. Testing in large-value payments and securities settlement systems have partly demonstrated the technical feasibility of DLT for this new environment. The projects examined analyzed issues associated with operational capacity, resiliency, liquidity savings, settlement finality, and privacy. DLT-based solutions can also facilitate delivery versus payment of securities, payment versus payment of foreign exchange transactions, and efficient cross-border payments.

Distributed Ledger Technology and Digital Assets

Distributed Ledger Technology and Digital Assets PDF

Author: Asian Development Bank

Publisher: Asian Development Bank

Published: 2019-06-01

Total Pages: 90

ISBN-13: 9292616471

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This report offers an analytical framework that allows for more systemic assessments of distributed ledger technology (DLT) and its applications. It examines the evolution and typology of the emergent technology, its existing and projected applications, and regulatory and policy issues that they entail. This report highlights the trends, concerns, and potential opportunities of DLTs, especially for Asian markets. It also identifies the benefits and risks to using DLT and offers a functional and proportional approach to these issues.

Clearing and Settlement

Clearing and Settlement PDF

Author: Dermot Turing

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2021-02-12

Total Pages: 900

ISBN-13: 1526514974

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The post-trading industry is one in which financial firms make money and one in which risk issues need careful management. Reliable payment, clearing and settlement structures are perceived to be essential to enable financial firms to withstand shocks. A great deal of the cost of trading and cross-border investment is attributed to the very complex process of clearing and settlement. This book describes and explains: 1. what happens in clearing and settlement, and the roles of (and risks assumed by) the various participants in the post-trade marketplace 2. the law applicable to infrastructures, how they are are regulated, and the other topographical features of their legal landscape 3. the legal and practical aspects of risk management and operations of infrastructures 4. the risks faced by participants in payment, clearing and settlement systems - the agent banks - along with practical and operational issues which they face in their roles. Fully revised, updates for the 3rd edition include: - Implications and impact of Brexit - CPMI and IOSCO paper on central counterparty default (CCP) management auctions - cyber-security and the resilience of financial market infrastructures (FMIs) and the wider market ecosystem.

The Economics of Distributed Ledger Technology for Securities Settlement

The Economics of Distributed Ledger Technology for Securities Settlement PDF

Author: Evangelos Benos

Publisher:

Published: 2017

Total Pages: 33

ISBN-13:

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Distributed ledger technology (DLT) is a database architecture which enables the keeping and sharing of records in a distributed and decentralized way, while ensuring its integrity through the use of consensus-based validation protocols and cryptographic signatures. In principle, DLT has the potential to reduce costs and increase the efficiency of securities settlement, the ultimate step of every security transaction. In this paper, we first examine to what extent DLT could add value and change securities settlement. We then characterize the innovation process in the post-trade industry and finally, we describe the economics of a hypothetical DLT-based security settlement industry.Our main conclusions are that: i) DLT has the potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs in securities settlement, but the technology is still evolving and it is uncertain at this point what form, if any, a DLT-based solution for securities settlement will ultimately take, ii) technological innovation in the post-trade industry is more likely to achieve its potential with some degree of co-ordination which could be facilitated by the relevant authorities, and iii) if DLT-based securities settlement becomes a reality, then it is likely to be concentrated among few providers which, in the absence of regulation, could result in inefficient monopoly pricing or efficient price discrimination with service providers capturing much of the market surplus.

Central Bank Risk Management, Fintech, and Cybersecurity

Central Bank Risk Management, Fintech, and Cybersecurity PDF

Author: Mr. Ashraf Khan

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-04-23

Total Pages: 75

ISBN-13: 1513582348

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Based on technical assistance to central banks by the IMF’s Monetary and Capital Markets Department and Information Technology Department, this paper examines fintech and the related area of cybersecurity from the perspective of central bank risk management. The paper draws on findings from the IMF Article IV Database, selected FSAP and country cases, and gives examples of central bank risks related to fintech and cybersecurity. The paper highlights that fintech- and cybersecurity-related risks for central banks should be addressed by operationalizing sound internal risk management by establishing and strengthening an integrated risk management approach throughout the organization, including a dedicated risk management unit, ongoing sensitizing and training of Board members and staff, clear reporting lines, assessing cyber resilience and security posture, and tying risk management into strategic planning.. Given the fast-evolving nature of such risks, central banks could make use of timely and regular inputs from external experts.

Distributed Ledgers

Distributed Ledgers PDF

Author: Robert M. Townsend

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2020-10-06

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 026253987X

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An economic analysis of what distributed ledgers can do, examining key components and discussing applications in both developed and emerging market economies. Distributed ledger technology (DLT) has the potential to transform economic organization and financial structures. In this book, Robert Townsend steps back from the hype and controversy surrounding DLT (and the related, but not synonymous, innovations of blockchain and Bitcoin) to offer an economic analysis of what distributed ledgers can do and a blueprint for the optimal design and regulation of financial systems. Townsend examines the key components of distributed ledgers, discussing, evaluating, and illustrating each in the context of historical and contemporary economies, reviewing featured applications in both developed economies and emerging-market countries, and indicating where future innovations can have large impact. Throughout, Townsend emphasizes the general equilibrium impact of DLT innovations, the welfare gains from these innovations, and related regulatory innovations. He analyzes four crucial components of distributed ledgers—ledgers as accounts, e-messages and e-value transfers, cryptography, and contracts—assesses each in terms of both economics and computer science, and forges some middle ground. Relatedly, Townsend highlights hybrid systems in which some of these components allow useful innovation while legacy or alternative pieces deal with the problem of scale. The specific applications he analyzes include an intelligent financial automated system that provides financial services to unbanked and under-banked populations, and cross-border payments systems, including financial systems that can integrate credit and insurance with clearing and settlement. Finally, Townsend considers cryptocurrencies, discussing the role and value of tokens in economies with distributed ledger systems.

Beyond Banks

Beyond Banks PDF

Author: Dan Awrey

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2024-10-22

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 0691245428

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How new technology is rapidly changing the nature of money and the way we pay A diverse and growing range of financial institutions and platforms—from PayPal and Venmo to WeChat, Alipay, and the brave new world of stablecoins—has harnessed new technology to disrupt the system of money and payments as we know it. Beyond Banks explains why this disruption holds out the promise of faster, cheaper, more convenient, and more secure payments, but also how it increasingly risks exposing consumers, businesses, and governments to the problem of bad money. Dan Awrey traces the origins of our current bundled system of banking, money, and payments. He explains why the problem of bad money—the result of antiquated and inadequate laws and regulation that fail to establish credible commitments to hold, transfer, or return a customer’s money on demand—requires that policymakers fundamentally rethink their approach toward the design of the laws and institutions at the heart of this system. He presents ways to effectively unbundle banking from money and payments, ensure the credibility of monetary commitments, and promote the stability of this system. Awrey also envisions a more forward-looking role for policymakers in encouraging greater technological experimentation, competition, and innovation in the realm of payments. Beyond Banks sheds critical light on the important but too often dysfunctional relationship among technology, regulation, and money, and lays the foundations for a safer, more nimble, and more inclusive system of money and payments.

A Survey of Research on Retail Central Bank Digital Currency

A Survey of Research on Retail Central Bank Digital Currency PDF

Author: Mr.John Kiff

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2020-06-26

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 151354778X

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This paper examines key considerations around central bank digital currency (CBDC) for use by the general public, based on a comprehensive review of recent research, central bank experiments, and ongoing discussions among stakeholders. It looks at the reasons why central banks are exploring retail CBDC issuance, policy and design considerations; legal, governance and regulatory perspectives; plus cybersecurity and other risk considerations. This paper makes a contribution to the CBDC literature by suggesting a structured framework to organize discussions on whether or not to issue CBDC, with an operational focus and a project management perspective.

Virtual Currencies and Beyond

Virtual Currencies and Beyond PDF

Author: Mr.Dong He

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2016-01-20

Total Pages: 42

ISBN-13: 1498321305

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New technologies are driving transformational changes in the global financial system. Virtual currencies (VCs) and the underlying distributed ledger systems are among these. VCs offer many potential benefits, but also considerable risks. VCs could raise efficiency and in the long run strengthen financial inclusion. At the same time, VCs could be potential vehicles for money laundering, terrorist financing, tax evasion and fraud. While risks to the conduct of monetary policy seem less likely to arise at this stage given the very small scale of VCs, risks to financial stability may eventually emerge as the new technologies become more widely used. National authorities have begun to address these challenges and will need to calibrate regulation in a manner that appropriately addresses the risks without stifling innovation. As experience is gained, international standards and best practices could be considered to provide guidance on the most appropriate regulatory responses in different fields, thereby promoting harmonization and cooperation across jurisdictions.