The evolving landscape of central bank digital currencies: a global perspective - the prominence of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is growing globally, with the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub leading the way. The BIS recently presented six projects for its 2024 work agenda, placing emphasis on safety, security, green finance and the next generation of financial infrastructure. These projects, aimed at addressing crucial industry challenges, demonstrate the BIS's dedication to exploring inventive solutions. And, as the financial landscape undergoes changes, the importance of CBDCs continues to increase. Having completed twelve projects in 2023, the BIS Innovation Hub looks forward to an active year, collaborating with central banks and international partners to advance the understanding and implementation of CBDCs. Full Article Here On-chain crypto derivatives - derivatives have a long history, dating back to the Babylonian era; they are tradeable financial contracts that derive their value from an underlying asset. There are many questions to be asked, including the following: Why are cryptocurrency derivatives gaining popularity, and how do they differ from traditional financial derivatives? What benefits do they offer in terms of protection from volatility, leverage and no expiration date? How are on-chain derivatives using blockchain technology addressing challenges such as transparency, efficiency and risk management? What initiatives are underway to overcome obstacles like high transaction fees and the absence of professional market makers? And, how can on-chain derivatives be utilized for yield farming, hedging, speculation and risk management in decentralized finance (DeFi) systems? Full Article Here Hybrid exchanges: getting blockchains to talk to each other - hybrid exchanges (HEX) are striving to offer the liquidity and ease of use of centralised exchanges but also offering the privacy security features more typically associated with decentralized exchanges. By fusing the transparency of blockchain technology with the flexibility of the foreign exchange market, it is possible to create a revolutionary way to trade currencies. As adoption of digital payment solutions in the form of CBDC and stablecoins rises, will these achieve significant market share? Full Article Here As a Kings Counsel, where do I see some of the potential legal challenges in the growing trend of tokenization? - tokenization presents legal challenges in digitizing assets like real estate and promissory notes. The clash between traditional legal structures and evolving blockchain technology, especially in shares and international trade, demands nuanced amendments and standardized terminologies. From a litigation standpoint, navigating jurisdictional complexities in cases of fraud and enforcing judgments across borders adds another layer of challenge. The intersection of technology and law requires a delicate balance and continuous adaptation to the evolving legal landscape. Full Article Here