Most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are implementing fast payment systems (FPS), often with the goal of enhancing access to and use of affordable financial services. FPS offer immediate transfer of funds on a 24x7 basis between end users. This paper assesses how FPS can promote...

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) relies on a complex supply chain comprising five key layers: hardware, cloud infrastructure, training data, foundation models and AI applications. This paper examines the market structure of each layer and highlights the economic forces...

Since the signing of the 2015 Paris Agreement, investment strategies focused on managing climate risks and pursuing climate impact have garnered considerable interest. Financial institutions, including some central banks, have started to decarbonise and align their investment portfolios with net...

Cryptocurrencies and decentralised finance (DeFi) aim to replicate many of the economic functions of traditional finance (TradFi), but their distinctive features introduce new financial stability risks. We analyse these features, and examine key developments, such as smart contracts,...

Different economic agents might respond differently to the same policy action. Information about household and firm heterogeneity can, therefore, enhance central banks' understanding of monetary policy transmission and ultimately its effectiveness. Cross-sectional data can also help central...

Quantum computers may in the future break today's widely used encryption. This paper provides a framework to support the financial system in the transition to quantum-safe cryptographic infrastructures. It emphasises the need to start the transition today – with broad awareness and...

Retail central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and fast payment systems (FPS) share a number of similarities. Both allow for instant transactions for end users, can rely on underlying infrastructures operated by the central bank and can allow for an important role for private payment service...

This volume provides insights and lessons learned from a range of fast payment systems (FPS). Over 100 jurisdictions worldwide, including 15 jurisdictions in Latin America, have implemented FPS, which are a promising tool to improve people's payment experience, access to financial services and...