India's Central Bank Explores Cross-Border CBDC Payments with Digital Rupee

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is in talks with its counterparts from at least 18 other countries on the possibility of cross-border payments using its central bank digital currency (CBDC).

The discussions aim to explore the potential of a CBDC in facilitating seamless and efficient cross-border transactions, reducing costs, and enhancing financial inclusion.

The RBI began offering rupee vostro accounts to its foreign counterparts in July 2022, and 18 banks have since opened accounts. A vostro account is an account that domestic banks hold for foreign banks in the former's domestic currency.

The RBI launched its wholesale digital rupee pilot project in November 2022 and its retail digital rupee pilot project in February 2023.

Crypto ATM firm Bitcoin Depot goes public on Nasdaq

Bitcoin Depot, a leading cryptocurrency ATM operator in the United States, has gone public on Nasdaq, marking a significant milestone for the crypto industry.

The company also announced its merger with blank check company GSR II Meteora. Investors will be able to find shares of Bitcoin Depot under the ticker symbols BTM and BTMWW for its common stock and public warrants.

Based in Georgia, Bitcoin Depot said it is the largest provider of Bitcoin ATMs in North America, with 6,440 kiosk locations. To use Bitcoin Depot’s kiosk, one needs to provide their phone number and download a digital wallet app.

ENS Prepares for Layer 2 Expansion, Enhancing Scalability

The Ethereum Name Service (ENS), a decentralized naming infrastructure built on the Ethereum blockchain, is gearing up for expansion on Layer 2 solutions to address scalability challenges.

By embracing Layer 2 technologies, such as Optimism and Arbitrum, ENS aims to improve the efficiency and speed of its services, offering a better user experience for Ethereum users.

The expansion of ENS on Layer 2 solutions reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance the scalability and usability of the Ethereum network, supporting the growth and development of the broader Ethereum ecosystem.

Crypto-friendly DBS Bank Launches Digital Yuan Payment Tool

DBS Bank, one of Asia's largest banks, has launched a digital yuan payment tool, enabling customers to transact using the Chinese digital currency.

DBS Bank China announced the launch of the e-CNY merchant solution, allowing mainland businesses to receive payments in the central bank digital currency (CBDC).

This signifies the bank's commitment to embracing cryptocurrencies and providing crypto-friendly services to its customers. By introducing the digital yuan payment tool, DBS Bank aims to enhance its offerings and cater to the increasing demand for digital currencies in the market.

Binance Academy Partners Coursera to Make Web3 Education Accessible

Binance Academy – the educational arm of crypto exchange Binance has collaborated with Coursera to bring Web3 educational opportunities to everyone.

The programs will encompass a broad range of topics and will be designed for individuals seeking to gain a foundational understanding of blockchain, Web3, and crypto technologies, as well as for the ones looking to build the right skills to pursue a career in the blockchain industry.

The program will include video lectures, readings, practice assessments or projects, and graded assessments and the learners will earn a digital certificate upon successful completion.

That’s all for this edition of our crypto newsletter. Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates from the world of blockchain and crypto!