Global FinTech Adoption Index 2019
EY

Fintech is in the mainstream, and this report surveyed over 27k consumers in 27 markets and interviewed fintechs of all sizes- challengers, incumbents, non-financial services companies — to get a feel of how both consumers and companies are dealing with fintech. It finds that globally, many people use fintech services, with adoption being the highest in China. On the business side, SME adoption is also highest in China, and SMEs in general also are keen fintech users.

Synchronised cross-border payments
STELLA

The joint project between the ECB and Bank of Japan, STELLA, seeks to add to the discussion of how DLT will affect financial markets infrastructures regarding payments and securities settlement. This report looks at innovative solutions in cross-border payments, detailing payment methods, assessing the safety and efficiency of individual payment methods, and presents the results of experiments the project ran on the feasibility of synchronised settlements on different ledgers. Read more

EBA Annual Report 2018
The European Banking Authority

This report looks back on the EBA’s activities in 2018, covering important topics like Brexit and Basel III implementation. It also outlines key publications and decisions made during the year.

Harnessing the Power of Data for Gender Equality
Equal Measures 2030

Equal Measures is a joint collaboration of top regional and global civil society organisations, development companies, and the private sector ensuring movements supporting girls and women’s rights have the data they need to foster change around the SDGs. As such, this report presents the SDG Gender Index, covering progress across the different regions of the world in different areas, including wealth and economic growth and women’s use of digital banking.

Accelerating Digital Innovation Inside and Out
MITSloan Management review and Deloitte Insights

This report presents the result of a digital maturity study that hones in on how digital disruption affects organisations in all stages of development. It finds that there are gaps between more mature organisations and less mature outfits, and these gaps are due to different approaches to innovation.

Should Central Banks Issue Digital Currency?
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

An ECB official recently backed the idea of a central bank digital currency, while the head of the Bundesbank recently said that it would destabilise financial systems. Looking into to this polarising topic, this paper analyses how the currencies would affect interest rates, economic activity levels, and general welfare in a situation where private bank deposit and central bank money are used in exchange. It finds that while the currencies can raise efficiency and general welfare, it can have negative effects on banks’ deposits, investment, and funding costs.