The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to Launch Live CBDC Pilot
The MAS is gearing up to roll out a live pilot of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for wholesale interbank settlements, signaling a major move in the mainstream adoption of digital currencies within banking operations. The plan is to implement this CBDC in 2024, marking a shift from theoretical discussions to practical use in transactions between commercial banks. This initiative is part of the Orchid Blueprint, designed by the MAS, which aims to create a settlement ledger for recording digital money transfers with features for programmability and instantaneous settlement. The blueprint also includes a “Name Service” for easier identification of wallet addresses, as well as experimentation with tokenized bank liabilities and regulated stablecoins.
Hot Take: MAS Embraces CBDC Integration in Banking Operations
The MAS’s move to launch a live pilot of a CBDC for wholesale interbank settlements represents a significant step toward integrating digital currencies into mainstream banking operations. With plans to implement this CBDC in 2024 and the introduction of innovative concepts like “purpose-bound money” (PBM), the MAS is leading the way in exploring the potential of digital currencies within the banking sector. Additionally, the preliminary approval granted to Paxos Digital Singapore Pte. Ltd. to launch a USD-backed stablecoin in Singapore further solidifies the country’s position as a hub for digital currency innovation and development.