Open finance runs into limitations over “super-apps” The move by BNPL provider Klarna into mobile phone services signals an ambition to build a “super app.” But while open finance holds promise, replicating Chinese platforms such as WeChat and Alipay may be a step too far. Holding a banking license was long regarded as

TradFi embraces DeFi in landmark blockchain initiative An initiative between a group of financial institutions and the world’s most publicly used blockchain promises to accelerate the migration of real-world assets onto the distributed ledger. R3, a UK-based software group which has developed blockchains used by financial institutions including HSBC, Bank of America, Euroclear, and

Testing times for AI highlight commercial and ethical conflicts Reports that safety testing processes on AI models have been cut have led to concerns being expressed around ethics and governance and prompted calls for stricter regulation in this uniquely challenging area. Commercial considerations have increased pressure for faster rollout of new versions of

‘Tape bombs’ prompt market gyrations The first 100 days or so of Donald Trump’s administration have been characterized by market volatility. A major factor has been the publication of highly consequential, policy-related postings on social media platforms such as X and the President's own Truth Social channel. These so-called “tape bombs” (trader slang

Tariffs return: What history tells us The election of President Trump and his use of trade tariffs as a central economic policy tool has reignited debate over their broader economic implications. The White House contends that these "reciprocal" measures are fully justified on the basis of the trading practices of major trading partners

CBDC momentum slows The development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has been a priority for central banks across the globe over the last few years. Recently, however, momentum has stalled. Apart from China’s digital yuan, CBDCs across major economies are yet to be launched, with some at more advanced stages of development

Toward a “new normal” for bonds? Global bonds markets appear to be in a state of structural volatility. While inflationary pressures and fiscal concerns are the most oft-cited factors, the apparent failure of the markets to adapt their expectations could be just as significant. In September 2024, the Fed embarked

“Trump 2” – beyond deregulation, who can say? The election of Donald Trump to a second term as US President has been cheered by financial markets and beneficiaries of Trump’s policy pronouncements. However, with plenty of uncertainty looming around policy implementation, the only things we can be reasonably certain of are deregulation and