Search results for Project Agora
Finance
Mitos puts financial security to the test as network separation easing begins
Single-stock leveraged ETFs and ETNs tied to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix sharpened semiconductor concentration in South Korea\'s stock market, with first-day turnover topping 10 trillion won. Regulators warned investors about amplified losses. Financial firms also stepped up responses to AI-driven cyber threats as the emergence of high-performance AI \"Mitos\" raised concerns about more sophisticated hacking, prompting authorities to review easing and possible full removal of network separation rules.
Finance
Korean commercial banks join BIS \'Project Agora\' to verify deposit token payment system
South Korea\'s five major banks - KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori and NH NongHyup Bank - have checked the potential to improve inter-institution payment transactions globally. The banks joined Project Agora, a joint initiative by the Bank for International Settlements and the Institute of International Finance. Participants tested whether blockchain technology and smart contracts can cut costs and time for large cross-border payments while maintaining the legal nature of reserves and deposits.
Crypto
Visa-led crypto card payments surge 230 percent year on year
Crypto card payments are growing rapidly, reshaping competition in the global payments industry. Onchain-based crypto card payments recently hit a record $7.8 billion, with Visa accounting for about 90 percent of transactions. PaymentScan data showed total crypto card payments have risen about 230 percent since May 2025 as users spend stablecoins held in wallets without bank transfers. Visa is expanding stablecoin-linked card programs with Bridge and moving toward onchain settlement.
