Swiss National Bank Prolonges Digital-Franc Pilot By Two Years

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has announced an extension of its digital-franc pilot program by an additional two years. This move shows Switzerland’s commitment to exploring the potential of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and their integration into the financial system. The pilot, initially launched to test the feasibility and implications of a digital franc, will now continue to assess the currency’s performance, security, and scalability in real-world scenarios.

Swiss National Bank Prolongs Digital-Franc Pilot By Two Years

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has announced a significant extension of its pilot program for a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC), extending the initiative for at least two more years. Antoine Martin, a member of the SNB’s Governing Board, praised the pilot’s success since its launch in December 2022, highlighting its role in advancing understanding of CBDC technology.

The extended pilot aims to broaden participation among financial institutions, enabling the wholesale CBDC to support a wider array of financial transactions. This initiative represents Switzerland’s ongoing commitment to exploring the potential benefits and challenges of CBDCs, aligning with global trends towards digital innovation in finance.

By extending the pilot, the SNB aims to gather more comprehensive data on the digital franc’s functionality and usability, potentially paving the way for broader adoption or further innovation in digital financial instruments.

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FlowBank’s Closure and Financial Market Supervision

In a recent development, Switzerland’s Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has ordered the closure of FlowBank due to insolvency. FlowBank, an online Swiss bank active in the crypto space, failed to meet minimum capital requirements and was burdened by significant debts, prompting FINMA’s decisive action.

While deposits up to 100,000 Swiss francs are guaranteed, concerns remain regarding the fate of crypto assets held by FlowBank. FINMA’s stringent oversight reflects Switzerland’s commitment to maintaining financial stability and protecting consumers in the rapidly evolving crypto sector.

The closure shows the importance of regulatory compliance and financial soundness in Switzerland’s banking sector, highlighting the consequences for institutions that fail to meet regulatory standards.

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