Crypto ETFs: Mitigating fraud risk through regulated institutions
Cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) allow investors to hold a variety of cryptocurrencies in a single investment product. While all of Canada鈥檚 Big Six banks now include some crypto ETFs in their portfolios, these investments represent only a small fraction of their holdings. A major advantage of ETFs is their ability to offer protection from market volatility. However, given the speculative nature of crypto means it can still be extremely volatile, even within an ETF structure.
Little progress made on regulating crypto-assets in Canada
Despite commitments to implement the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) by 2027, Canada鈥檚 strides in regulating crypto-assets remain sluggish. CARF establishes a standardized reporting system for crypto-assets across 48 nations with the aim of tracking specific asset types and transactions while defining relevant tax jurisdictions.
After a slow 2023, exchange-traded fund listings are revitalizing
In 2023, more than 120 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were delisted in Canada鈥攎ore than four times as many as in an average year. Even so, there was still a net gain in the overall number of ETFs, with 164 new ones launching for the year. With numbers in for the first quarter of 2024, the high number of delistings appears to have been an anomaly.
Interaction with major crypto-asset platforms could benefit both CBDCs and cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are an unregulated, ethically dubious financial instrument used by criminal organizations, terrorists and war criminals, writes Andy Holloway in the FP Investor Newsletter. But central bank digital currencies (CBDC) are the right side of regulation.
Central bank digital currencies could help improve financial inclusion
People are using cash less, and plastic more. But this presents a problem for unbanked and underbanked people. There are still a significant number of Canadians who don鈥檛 have a bank account. They can鈥檛 participate fully in the digital economy, but central bank digital currencies could help them do that.
Official launch of the Laidley Centre for Business Ethics
On November 14, the Laidley Centre for Business Ethics hosted students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni and friends of 缅北强奸 Desautels for the official launch of the Centre.
Delve: Why digital currencies could change the future of central banking
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) represent a possible next step in the technological evolution of banking and the financial intermediation sector, with advances in privacy, fraud protection, and efficiency鈥攂ut their roles and risks on the high-tech path forward are only now becoming clear.
Alberta politician who is spreading conspiracy theories could become premier
Danielle Smith is running for the leadership of Alberta鈥檚 United Conservative Party, and could become Alberta鈥檚 next premier. But Smith is campaigning on a platform that includes internet conspiracy theories. In a newsletter, she cautioned that Canada鈥檚 currency could be replaced with an international common digital currency, and the federal government could use it to 鈥減unish and reward鈥� Canadians.
Keeping cryptocurrency alive
Wealthsimple, a Toronto-based financial services company, recently announced plans to push for digital currencies to be used in day-to-day transactions beyond trading. Professor Katrin Tinn says the recent downturn in cryptocurrency use emphasizes the need for stakeholders to innovate cryptocurrency for real-world applications.
Plans for Canadian digital currency remain on hold
With digital currencies like Bitcoin gaining traction in the e-commerce space, banks are considering the challenge of integrating digital and paper currencies while protecting user privacy. Although the Bank of Canada has no immediate plans to implement a government-backed digital currency, Professor Katrin Tinn wouldn't rule out a shift to cryptocurrency in the future.
Q&A with Professor Katrin Tinn
Get to know Assistant Professor聽Katrin Tinn,聽who teaches in the聽Finance area, in a new Q&A. She discusses her research on digital currencies and stock trading, her teaching style -聽including how she integrates her research - and her interest in art.
Learn moreDelve: A Digital Currency for the Public by the Public
Could a Central Bank Digital Currency ensure privacy and transparency for every transaction? A new model of digital currency by Desautels Professor Katrin Tinn proposes a secure yet anonymous 鈥渁symmetric privacy鈥� alternative to cash, traditional bank transactions, and cryptocurrency. 鈥淎 public institution is in a better position to design a digital currency that has the correct incentives,鈥� says Tinn.聽
Digital currency a solution to dwindling cash transactions?
Over the last ten years, cash payments have been in a free fall and experts predict that by 2030, they could make up for just 10% of monetary transactions.
Predicting the future of digital currency
A recent survey found that Canada has the most cashless economy in the world, with most consumers using the credit card system. Professor Katrin Tinn joined CTV News Montreal to share her insights on the potential for the Bank of Canada to approve other forms of digital currencies, such as Bitcoin.
The pros and cons of digital currency
Professor Katrin Tinn weighs in on the ongoing debate about the sustainability of digital currency in Canada. In her view, consumers would benefit from a more up-to-date understanding of their spending habits, and the lending process could be streamlined. But the picture isn鈥檛 entirely rosy. Adopting digital currencies presents an inevitable security risk.
