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20 May 2026, 19:30
Euro stablecoin project Qivalis adds 25 new members
The joint venture of European banks Qivalis, set to launch a euro-backed stablecoin this year, has added 25 new members. The financial institutions from a number of EU nations are bringing the total number of participants in the ambitious project to 37. Qivalis adds new members in major expansion Over two dozen banks have joined Qivalis, the consortium established to issue a euro-denominated alternative to dollar-pegged stablecoins, which dominate this segment. Some of Europe’s largest banking organizations teamed up to realize the idea a few months ago. Others have backed it since. And the current wave is a significant increase in participation. Announcing its latest expansion in a post on X on Wednesday, the group also unveiled that the cryptocurrency is slated to appear in the second half of 2026. Qivalis took the opportunity to reiterate its main goal – to issue a “native, regulated euro in the on-chain financial system.” We are not just building a euro stablecoin; we are laying the European financial rails of the future. 25 new banks have joined Qivalis today – bringing our consortium to 37 major institutions united behind one mission: a native, regulated euro in the on-chain financial system,… pic.twitter.com/J3DTm2uc0y — qivalis (@qivaliseu) May 20, 2026 Commenting on the inclusion of new members, the Chief Financial Officer of Qivalis, Dutch financial and digital assets expert Floris Lugt, described the development as a “revolutionary moment,” stating: “The potential of blockchain technology has consistently gone unrealized because banks did not support it. That is about to change.” Two banks from the Netherlands, ABN Amro and Rabobank, have now joined the Amsterdam-based consortium. ING was among its founders last fall. Financieele Dagblad, the country’s leading business daily, which quoted Lugt, wrote that the move marks a significant shift in the stance of major Dutch banks towards digital currencies and assets. Nine banks launched the project in September 2025, including giants like ING, the Belgian KBC, Italy’s UniCredit, and the Austrian Raiffeisen. France’s BNP Paribas became part of it later. Spain’s Banco Sabadell was accepted earlier in May, taking the total to 12 banks at the time, as reported by Cryptopolitan. Another five Spanish banks were added this week. With the 25 joining now, the club already numbers 37 banks, coming from all corners of the Old Continent, from Iceland and Sweden, to Poland, Italy, and Greece. Qivalis CEO Jan-Oliver Sell called the expansion of the consortium “a giant leap toward an open and compliant on-chain ecosystem for the euro”. Euro stablecoin to enter dollar-dominated space Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, most stablecoins are tied to a fiat currency by their issuer to keep their price stable. They are widely used in crypto trading. The global stablecoin market, which according to Citigroup may reach $4 trillion this decade, is heavily dominated by digital currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar, such as Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC. EU officials have been expressing concerns that this growth may flood Europe with digitalized dollars and undermine Frankfurt’s monetary policy. However, that hasn’t translated into support for euro stablecoins. The case for them is “far weaker than it appears,” according to a recent statement by ECB President Christine Lagarde. Earlier this month, she warned that even they present a risk to financial stability and said that stablecoins are not an efficient way to strengthen the international role of the common currency. The expansion of the Qivalis project comes as the European Union is trying to implement its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations across all member states. The comprehensive framework was adopted in 2023 and came into effect in 2024, but not all EU countries have transposed its provisions into national law yet. Representatives of AIB and Bank of Ireland, two Irish banks that are joining Qivalis now, insisted in comments for the local press that the euro stablecoin will be fully compliant with MiCA. Qivalis CFO Floris Lugt assured the group shares the EU’s concerns and is addressing them while developing the regulated crypto, which will be backed by bank deposits and other assets. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
20 May 2026, 19:05
USD/CHF Slips as Renewed US-Iran Talks Curb Safe-Haven Demand
BitcoinWorld USD/CHF Slips as Renewed US-Iran Talks Curb Safe-Haven Demand The Swiss franc edged higher against the US dollar on Monday, pushing the USD/CHF pair lower as reports emerged of renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran. The development dampened demand for the dollar as a safe haven, a status it had enjoyed during heightened Middle East tensions earlier this year. Renewed Diplomacy Weighs on Dollar Demand According to diplomatic sources familiar with the matter, representatives from Washington and Tehran have resumed indirect talks in a third country, focusing on nuclear program limitations and regional security guarantees. The talks mark the first known direct engagement between the two nations in over nine months. For currency markets, the shift is significant. The US dollar had strengthened broadly in previous weeks as investors priced in geopolitical risk premiums. The Swiss franc, traditionally a safe haven in its own right, often moves inversely to the dollar when risk appetite shifts. Monday’s move reflects a recalibration of those risk assessments. “The market is interpreting the resumption of talks as a de-escalation signal,” said Marcus Keller, senior currency strategist at Zurich-based Helvetia Capital. “When geopolitical tensions ease, the dollar often gives back some of its safe-haven gains, and the franc tends to benefit from a more neutral risk environment.” Technical Levels and Market Reaction The USD/CHF pair slipped below the 0.8950 mark during European trading hours, a level that had acted as support in late October. Traders noted that the pair’s decline accelerated after it broke below the 50-day moving average earlier in the session. Immediate support is now seen near 0.8900, a psychologically important round number. A sustained move below that level could open the door to the 0.8850 region, last tested in mid-September. On the upside, resistance sits at 0.8980 and then 0.9020. Trading volumes were slightly above average for a Monday, suggesting genuine repositioning rather than thin-market noise. Options markets also showed a modest increase in demand for franc calls, indicating that some investors are hedging against further USD/CHF downside. Broader Implications for Forex Markets The USD/CHF move is part of a wider pattern of dollar softness against major European currencies. The euro also gained ground on Monday, pushing EUR/USD above 1.0950. Analysts caution, however, that the dollar’s direction remains tied to the pace and substance of the Iran talks. “If the negotiations produce a tangible framework, we could see a sustained rotation out of dollar longs,” said Keller. “But if talks stall or break down, the safe-haven bid could return quickly. This is a headline-driven market right now.” For Swiss importers and exporters, a stronger franc poses a mixed picture. Importers benefit from lower costs for foreign goods, while exporters, particularly in the machinery and watch sectors, face headwinds as their products become more expensive abroad. The Swiss National Bank has historically intervened to limit excessive franc strength, though no intervention has been detected in recent sessions. Conclusion The USD/CHF pair’s decline reflects a market adjusting to the prospect of reduced geopolitical risk following renewed US-Iran negotiations. While the move is modest so far, the direction signals that currency traders are watching diplomatic developments closely. The sustainability of the franc’s gains will depend on whether talks produce concrete results or remain a procedural exercise. Investors should monitor headlines from the negotiation venue for further trading cues. FAQs Q1: Why does USD/CHF weaken when US-Iran tensions ease? The US dollar often strengthens during geopolitical crises as investors seek safe-haven assets. When tensions ease, demand for the dollar decreases, allowing the Swiss franc, another safe haven, to gain ground against it. Q2: Is the Swiss franc always a safe-haven currency? The Swiss franc is considered a traditional safe haven due to Switzerland’s political neutrality, stable economy, and strong financial system. However, its behavior can vary depending on the specific nature of the geopolitical event and broader market conditions. Q3: What level should traders watch for USD/CHF? Key support is at 0.8900, followed by 0.8850. Resistance levels are 0.8980 and 0.9020. A break below 0.8900 could signal further downside, while a move above 0.8980 might indicate the dollar is regaining footing. This post USD/CHF Slips as Renewed US-Iran Talks Curb Safe-Haven Demand first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
20 May 2026, 18:55
Fed Minutes Reinforce Higher-for-Longer Narrative: What It Means for Markets
BitcoinWorld Fed Minutes Reinforce Higher-for-Longer Narrative: What It Means for Markets The Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes have reinforced the central bank’s commitment to maintaining elevated interest rates for an extended period, pushing back against market expectations of imminent rate cuts. The minutes, released Wednesday, show policymakers broadly agreed that inflation remains too high and that the labor market continues to run hot, justifying a patient approach to monetary easing. Key Takeaways from the Minutes The summary of the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) late-April meeting revealed a cautious tone among officials. While the committee held the federal funds rate steady at 5.25% to 5.5%, the discussion centered on the need for more evidence that inflation is sustainably moving toward the 2% target before considering any policy pivot. Several participants noted that if inflation risks materialize, further tightening could be warranted. Market Reaction and Implications Financial markets initially dipped following the release, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite trimming earlier gains. The 10-year Treasury yield edged higher, reflecting a repricing of rate-cut expectations. According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, the probability of a rate cut at the June meeting fell to near zero, while the odds for September dropped below 50%. Impact on Cryptocurrency and Risk Assets The higher-for-longer narrative has direct implications for risk-sensitive assets, including cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and other digital assets have historically shown sensitivity to liquidity conditions. Sustained high interest rates reduce the appeal of speculative investments, as yields on safer instruments like Treasuries become more attractive. However, some analysts argue that crypto markets have already priced in a delayed easing cycle, limiting further downside. The minutes also highlighted ongoing concerns about financial stability, though no specific risks were singled out. Context and Timeline The current tightening cycle began in March 2022, with the Fed raising rates at the fastest pace in decades to combat inflation that peaked at 9.1% in June 2022. Since then, inflation has moderated to 3.4% as of April 2024, but progress has stalled in recent months. The minutes reflect a central bank wary of declaring victory too early, particularly with core services inflation remaining sticky and wage growth still elevated. Conclusion The Fed minutes confirm what many market participants had begun to suspect: the path to lower interest rates is longer and more uncertain than initially hoped. For investors, the message is clear—patience is required. The central bank is prioritizing inflation control over supporting growth, a stance that will likely keep financial conditions tight through the summer. The next FOMC meeting in June will be closely watched for any shift in language or updated economic projections. FAQs Q1: What does ‘higher-for-longer’ mean? It refers to the Federal Reserve’s strategy of keeping interest rates elevated for an extended period, rather than cutting them quickly, until inflation is firmly under control. Q2: How does this affect crypto prices? Higher interest rates generally reduce liquidity and make riskier assets like cryptocurrencies less attractive compared to yield-bearing safe assets. However, crypto markets often trade on their own dynamics and may have already priced in the delay. Q3: When is the next Fed meeting? The next FOMC meeting is scheduled for June 11-12, 2024, where the committee will release its next interest rate decision and updated economic projections. This post Fed Minutes Reinforce Higher-for-Longer Narrative: What It Means for Markets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
20 May 2026, 18:20
British Pound Faces Choppy Range Risks Against Euro, Rabobank Warns
BitcoinWorld British Pound Faces Choppy Range Risks Against Euro, Rabobank Warns Currency strategists at Rabobank have issued a note cautioning that the British Pound (GBP) faces an elevated risk of trading in a choppy, directionless range against the Euro (EUR) in the near term. The warning comes amid a period of heightened uncertainty surrounding UK economic data and evolving monetary policy expectations from both the Bank of England and the European Central Bank. What Is Driving the Choppy Outlook for GBP/EUR? According to Rabobank analysts, the current market environment lacks a clear, dominant catalyst to push the GBP/EUR exchange rate decisively in one direction. Several factors are contributing to this indecision: Divergent economic signals: The UK economy has shown pockets of resilience, particularly in the services sector, while manufacturing remains under pressure. Meanwhile, the Eurozone is grappling with sluggish industrial output and political uncertainty in key member states. Monetary policy uncertainty: Markets are pricing in potential rate cuts from both the Bank of England and the European Central Bank later this year, but the timing and magnitude remain highly uncertain. Any shift in rhetoric from policymakers could trigger sharp but short-lived moves. Geopolitical and trade risks: Ongoing tensions in global trade and the energy transition continue to weigh on investor sentiment, creating a risk-off backdrop that often favors the Euro over the Pound. Rabobank notes that these competing forces are likely to keep GBP/EUR trapped within a relatively tight trading band, with rallies being sold into and dips finding support. Key Levels to Watch for GBP/EUR Technical analysis suggests that the pair is currently testing important support and resistance zones. Rabobank highlights the following levels: Resistance: The 1.1700 area (GBP/EUR) has acted as a ceiling in recent sessions. A sustained break above this level would require a significant shift in market sentiment, such as unexpectedly strong UK inflation data or a more hawkish tone from the Bank of England. Support: On the downside, the 1.1550 region provides a near-term floor. A break below this level could open the door to a test of the 1.1400 area, which would represent a notable weakening of the Pound. The bank advises traders to prepare for increased volatility around key data releases, including UK GDP figures, Eurozone inflation prints, and central bank meeting minutes. Why This Matters for Traders and Businesses For forex traders, a choppy range environment means that trend-following strategies may underperform, while range-bound or mean-reversion approaches could be more effective. For businesses with cross-border exposure between the UK and the Eurozone, the lack of a clear directional trend makes hedging decisions more complex. Companies may need to consider flexible hedging strategies, such as options, to protect against sudden, sharp moves in either direction. Conclusion Rabobank’s analysis underscores the current lack of conviction in the GBP/EUR market. While neither the Pound nor the Euro appears poised for a sustained breakout in the immediate term, the risk of sudden, news-driven spikes remains elevated. Traders and businesses should remain vigilant, focusing on risk management rather than directional bets until a clearer catalyst emerges. FAQs Q1: What does a ‘choppy range’ mean in forex trading? A choppy range refers to a market condition where the exchange rate moves within a relatively narrow band, with frequent but short-lived up-and-down movements. There is no clear trend, making it difficult for traders to profit from directional strategies. Q2: Why is Rabobank’s analysis important for GBP/EUR traders? Rabobank is a major global financial institution with a respected research desk. Their currency forecasts and analysis are widely followed by institutional investors, hedge funds, and corporate treasurers. Their views can influence market sentiment and positioning. Q3: What could break the GBP/EUR out of its current range? A decisive breakout would likely require a significant surprise in economic data (e.g., UK inflation much higher or lower than expected), a major shift in central bank policy guidance, or a large-scale geopolitical or trade development that alters risk appetite. This post British Pound Faces Choppy Range Risks Against Euro, Rabobank Warns first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
20 May 2026, 18:02
Australia’s Central Bank Deploys CBDC Directly Unto XRP Ledger and Hedera
Australia’s central bank completed something most financial institutions are still theorizing about. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), along with the Digital Finance CRC (DFCRC), published its May 2026 final report on Project Acacia. This is a hands-on research program that issued a real pilot wholesale CBDC (wCBDC) and used it to settle live trades of tokenised assets across multiple blockchain networks. Crypto researcher SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) shared the details, noting that both XRP Ledger and Hedera made the cut. JUST IN: AUSTRALIA’S RBA DEPLOYS WHOLESALE CBDC DIRECTLY ONTO XRPL AND HEDERA NETWORKS IN PROJECT ACACIA The Reserve Bank of Australia just ran real money on both the XRPL and Hedera. This is a massive development. Project Acacia is a hands-on research program run by… pic.twitter.com/s2REdKPlNN — SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) May 19, 2026 Project Acacia Project Acacia ran pilot use cases across a range of public and private distributed ledger technology (DLT) platforms. These included Canvas Connect, Ethereum, Hedera, Redbelly Network, and XRP Ledger. Participants ranged from domestic and international banks to fintechs, custodians, fund managers, exchanges, and stablecoin issuers. The wCBDC issued for the project represented a real legal claim on the RBA. It was denominated in Australian dollars and redeemable at par at the project’s conclusion. The asset classes tested were extensive. Government bonds, corporate bonds, private credit, asset-backed securities, repos, carbon credits, and mining royalties all featured across the various use cases. XRP Ledger: End-to-End Bond Settlement Zerocap piloted the complete lifecycle of an Australian Government bond tokenized as a digital twin on a public-permissioned network. The use case covered primary issuance, secondary trading, redemption, a central limit order book, and an automated market maker, with settlement in RLUSD stablecoin . The DLT network used was the XRP Ledger. Notably, the European Central Bank has previously explored XRP for a wCBDC pilot , and this move by the RBA is another major step in cementing XRP’s place in global finance. Hedera: Token Interchange at Scale Australian Payments Plus (AP+) piloted an interchange service on a public network that facilitated the exchange of different forms of privately issued tokenized money, including stablecoins and deposit tokens, using rules captured in a smart contract. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 The DLT networks used were public-permissioned Hedera and private-permissioned Hedera HashSphere. A digital twin of wCBDC served as the interchange asset on the public network while the underlying wCBDC resided on a private network. What This Means for XRP XRP Ledger just processed a full government bond lifecycle with JPMorgan custody, using RLUSD as the settlement asset in a central bank research program. The network demonstrated it can handle the compliance requirements, asset structures, and settlement finality that wholesale markets demand. XRP’s participation in a formally documented RBA program puts the network’s institutional credentials on record. SMQKE noted that “public ISO 20022-compliant blockchains just passed a central-bank test in Australia’s wholesale markets.” The official report speaks for itself. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Australia’s Central Bank Deploys CBDC Directly Unto XRP Ledger and Hedera appeared first on Times Tabloid .
20 May 2026, 17:35
Sterling Steadies as UK Inflation Cools More Than Expected, Easing Rate Hike Pressure
BitcoinWorld Sterling Steadies as UK Inflation Cools More Than Expected, Easing Rate Hike Pressure The British pound held steady against major currencies on Wednesday after fresh data showed UK inflation cooled more sharply than anticipated in December, reducing the immediate pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates further. Inflation Data Surprises to the Downside The Office for National Statistics reported that the Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.4% in the 12 months to December, down from 3.9% in November and below the 3.7% forecast by economists. Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, also fell more than expected, to 4.1% from 5.1%. The decline was driven primarily by lower fuel costs and a slowdown in food price inflation, though services inflation remained elevated at 6.4%, a key metric watched closely by the Bank of England. Market Reaction and Sterling Performance Sterling initially dipped against the US dollar and euro after the release but quickly recovered, trading near $1.2720 and €1.1660 by mid-morning London time. The currency had rallied in recent weeks on expectations that the Bank of England would keep rates higher for longer compared to the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank. The cooler inflation print has tempered those expectations. Markets are now pricing in a roughly 50% chance of a rate cut by May, up from around 30% before the data. However, the Bank of England is widely expected to hold rates at 5.25% at its next meeting on February 1. Implications for Borrowers and the Economy For UK households and businesses, the easing of inflation is a welcome sign that the cost-of-living crisis may be abating. However, the Bank of England has cautioned that it is too early to declare victory, particularly as services inflation remains sticky and wage growth continues to run at around 7%. If inflation continues to fall faster than expected, the central bank could begin cutting rates sooner than previously signaled, which would provide relief to mortgage holders and businesses facing high borrowing costs. Conclusion While the latest inflation data offers some relief, the Bank of England is likely to remain cautious. Sterling’s stability reflects a market that is recalibrating its expectations for rate cuts, but the path ahead remains uncertain. Investors and consumers alike will be watching the next round of data and the Bank’s February meeting closely. FAQs Q1: Why did sterling steady after the inflation data? A1: Sterling steadied because the inflation print was not weak enough to trigger a sharp sell-off, but it was soft enough to reduce the likelihood of further rate hikes. The market is now pricing in a higher chance of rate cuts later this year. Q2: What does cooler UK inflation mean for mortgage rates? A2: If inflation continues to fall, the Bank of England may cut interest rates sooner, which could lead to lower mortgage rates. However, any relief for borrowers is unlikely to be immediate, as lenders typically adjust rates based on future expectations. Q3: How does UK inflation compare to other major economies? A3: UK inflation at 3.4% remains higher than in the US (3.1%) and the eurozone (2.9%), but the gap is narrowing. The Bank of England has been slower to ease monetary policy than the Federal Reserve, which has supported sterling in recent months. This post Sterling Steadies as UK Inflation Cools More Than Expected, Easing Rate Hike Pressure first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
