Tag: innovation hub

Bank of England Tests DLT Settlement System

The Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub London Center have successfully tested a distributed ledger technology-powered settlements system between the institutions. As a result, the Bank of England will use the insights from this project in its real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system.

The joint pilot project, called Project Meridian, was recently documented in a report published by BIS on April 19. The 44-page document highlighted the successful synchronization of distributed ledger technology (DLT) between the banks for the purchase of houses in Wales and England.

This synchronization network allowed for the transmission of messages between the synchronization network and RTGS system using APIs, providing a generic interface that could be “relatively easily” extended to other asset classes, such as foreign exchange. By extending this system to other asset classes, it could significantly reduce the time, costs, and risks of transactions.

The Bank of England and BIS have been exploring the potential of DLT for financial settlements and transaction processing for several years. They have been working on multiple projects, including a cross-border payments project called Project Stella, which was completed in 2019.

The Bank of England has also been developing its own RTGS system, which is set to be launched in 2022. The new system will be built on modern technology and will replace the current system, which has been in operation for almost 20 years. The integration of DLT technology into the new RTGS system could further enhance its efficiency and security.

DLT technology, also known as blockchain, has the potential to revolutionize the financial industry. Its decentralized and transparent nature allows for secure, efficient, and cost-effective transactions, without the need for intermediaries. It has the potential to streamline the financial system and reduce the risk of fraud and errors.

The successful completion of Project Meridian is a significant milestone in the exploration of DLT technology in financial settlements. The potential for extending the system to other asset classes could significantly enhance the efficiency and security of financial transactions, which would benefit the entire industry.

In conclusion, the Bank of England and BIS Innovation Hub London Center have successfully tested a DLT-powered settlements system through Project Meridian. The synchronization network allowed for the transmission of messages between the synchronization network and RTGS system using APIs, which could be extended to other asset classes, reducing the time, costs, and risks of transactions. This is a significant milestone in the exploration of DLT technology in financial settlements and could enhance the efficiency and security of financial transactions in the future.

BIS Conference Addresses Cybersecurity in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC)

The BIS Innovation Hub and the Cyber Resilience Coordination Centre (CRCC) hosted a conference on November 8, 2023, focused on “Securing the future monetary system: cyber security for central bank digital currencies“. General Manager Agustín Carstens opened the event with a clear message: the advent of CBDCs is inevitable, and their security is paramount to the future financial system.

As the financial landscape is on the verge of substantial change, Carstens pointed out that central banks are tasked with not only keeping up with the digital evolution but leading the way. This leadership is embodied in the development of CBDCs, which are poised to be at the heart of the financial system. Whether they take on a wholesale or retail form, their design needs to be versatile and their legal frameworks robust to gain public trust.

The integrity of central bank money is a cornerstone of the public’s confidence in the financial system. CBDCs introduce new levels of security challenges, with cyber risks being a significant concern. Carstens cited the vulnerabilities exposed in the crypto universe as a cautionary tale for CBDCs, which carry much higher stakes. Addressing these risks is critical, necessitating a flexible design that can adapt to future technological advancements, including the potential impact of quantum computing and generative AI.

While focusing on security, Carstens didn’t overlook the importance of privacy in CBDC design, considering it essential for public acceptance, especially for retail CBDCs.

The BIS is firmly committed to aiding central banks in their journey towards a digital future. The Innovation Hub has been at the forefront, exploring solutions for secure and functional retail CBDCs, integrating quantum-resistant cryptography, and ensuring offline cyber resilience. Concurrently, the CRCC is enhancing collaboration and operational readiness among central banks through tools and exercises.

Carstens also recognized the vital role of the private sector, particularly in customer-facing services, and stressed the importance of shared cybersecurity and resilience as public goods among connected institutions.

The conference sets the stage for critical discussions on cybersecurity strategies for CBDCs, governance, risk management, and technical challenges, including the quantum computing threat. Carstens concluded with anticipation for the insights that the conference’s discussions will yield, reflecting the BIS’s readiness to guide and support central banks in securing the monetary system’s future.

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