The financial inclusion journey involves many legs: empowering citizens with a digital identity to open bank accounts; building a digital public infrastructure to facilitate low-cost interoperable payment services; and creating a technology platform to facilitate efficient delivery of frictionless credit. This blog takes readers through this journey in India.
12
Aug
Aug
Introduction Every investment activity whether “brown” or “green” requires funding. Such funding is typically obtained through bank loans or by issuing securities in the capital markets. The interest and principal amounts borrowed are repaid using the cash flows generated by the investment activities. But when these cash flows are insufficient to meet repayment obligations on […]
Financial Stability, Payment Systems
A Streetcar Named “Retail CBDC”: Should Central Banks Get on Board?
24
Jul
Jul
1. Introduction A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) has emerged as one of the most significant trends reshaping the global financial landscape. Central banks around the world are actively exploring this innovation, with the latest BIS survey in 2024 revealing that 94% of the 86 surveyed central banks are investigating CBDCs. This movement resembles a […]
Financial Stability, Payment Systems, Supervision
Trends Shaping the Payment and Financial Landscape in Southeast Asia: A Forward-Looking Perspective
10
Apr
Apr
This blog highlights the key trends shaping the region’s payment and financial landscape and discusses their implications for financial institutions, regulators, and consumers alike. Southeast Asia’s payment landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapid technological advancements, regulatory developments, and shifting consumer behaviors. The pandemic-induced acceleration of digital transformation has further propelled the […]
Financial Stability, Supervision
The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act: Reshaping the Future of Artificial Intelligence Regulation
09
Apr
Apr
The rapid progress of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted industries, particularly finance and financial services, offering remarkable advancements in efficiency, decision-making and service delivery. But AI adoption has also introduced ethical, legal and societal challenges, including concerns over privacy, bias and accountability. Despite – or perhaps because of – the pace of these developments, […]
Financial Stability, Supervision
Disclosures and Transparency in Managing Climate-related Financial Risks
18
Nov
Nov
The Basel Committee’s consultative document on Pillar 3 disclosures for climate-related financial risks has evoked strong responses. Some feel that the proposed disclosures are not consistent with the objectives of Pillar 3. Some others support the proposals and suggest additional disclosures, including for nature-related financial risks. But what should be the way forward for climate-related disclosures? The author explains.
Supervision
Compliance with Basel Disclosure Requirements on climate-related financial risks: a desktop survey of select Asian and European banks[1]
25
Oct
Oct
This desktop survey assesses the extent to which 14 Asian and 6 European Banks are complying with the Basel Committee’s consultative document on disclosure requirements for climate-related financial risks. The survey shows that Asian banks are 25% compliant (63% for the European banks), highlighting that more work is needed to ensure full compliance.
26
Sep
Sep
Representatives from a number of member central banks shared anonymous but candid insights on their challenges of change during our recent course: ACCELERATE: SEACEN Leadership Course on Leading Change. What blocks their sense of urgency required for successful change to happen? How can leaders overcome them? Read below…
26
Jul
Jul
As emphasised in opening remarks by Deputy Governor Jessica Chew at the Central Bank Payments Conference on 11 June 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, “The payment system lies at the heart of economic activity. If money is the lifeblood of the economy, then payment systems represent the veins that allow money to flow to where it […]
Financial Stability, Macroeconomics and Monetary Policy
How can Emerging and Frontier Markets in Asia attract Global Cross-Border Capital Flows for their Climate Transition?
03
Jul
Jul
“To reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, entities operating in most sectors must undergo a major transformation. The key tool that will enable this transformation is the development of a transition plan that is science based, coherent, comprehensive, transparent and covers all material scopes of emissions and business activities.” CBI Report on Scaling […]