European Central Bank launches next phase of digital euro project

Digital euro symbol and words

The European Central Bank (ECB) has completed the initial two-year investigation phase of its digital euro project and will now implement a two-year preparation phase that will cover the finalisation of a digital euro rulebook, the selection of providers to develop a digital euro platform and infrastructure, as well as testing and experimentation across a range of use cases for the central bank digital currency (CBDC)... More









Google Wallet goes live in Colombia

Customer using Bancolombia visa debit card on his watch to make a contactless NFC payment via Google Wallet

Google Wallet has launched in Colombia, enabling users to store and use their credit and debit cards, boarding passes, tickets and other digital credentials on their Android NFC smartphone, Wear OS smartwatch or Fitbit device... More


Toronto gets open loop contactless fare payments

Person using smartphone on a validator on a Toronto bus to make open loop contactless fare payment

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) in Canada has added support for open loop contactless fare payments, enabling passengers travelling on streetcars, buses and Wheel-Trans para-transit vehicles in the city to pay fares with a tap of their physical or digital credit or debit card... More


Brazil’s central bank lays out reasons for developing CBDC

Banco Central Do Brasil logo for the Drex central bank digital currency

The central bank digital currency (CBDC) that Brazil’s central bank is to pilot for retail payments in stores is to be called Drex and will be “a step forward in democratizing access for individuals and entrepreneurs to the benefits of the digitalization of the economy”, the Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) has announced... More