The 119th U.S. Congressional session begins with hopes for clearer regulatory frameworks in the crypto sector, following the election of pro-crypto lawmakers. The 119th U.S. Congressional session has commenced with significant anticipation from the digital asset...
Authorities around the globe are intensifying their efforts to address the increasing prevalence of cryptocurrency-related scams and fraud involving artificial intelligence, as criminal activities evolve and adapt to new technologies. Recent cases reported by...
Governor Aleš Michl reveals plans for possible Bitcoin investment as part of a strategy to enhance diversification, while focusing on increasing gold reserves. Aleš Michl, the Governor of the Czech National Bank, has revealed that he is considering the possibility...
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has released a consultation paper outlining proposed updates to its guidelines for digital assets, inviting industry feedback and aiming for enhanced clarity. On December 4, 2024, the Australian Securities and...
As policymakers focus on digital asset regulation globally, the Cayman Islands emerges as a leader with innovative frameworks and compliance measures, setting a precedent for other jurisdictions. Regulatory clarity in the digital assets and cryptocurrency sectors...
UNICEF’s Enterprise Fund introduces growth funding tier to boost early-stage innovators in emerging markets, with Rumsan, Xcapit, and Tilli among the new beneficiaries leveraging frontier technologies like blockchain and AI for social impact.
In addressing the disparity of private capital investment reaching early-stage innovators in emerging markets—traditionally only 10%—the UNICEF Enterprise Fund initiated a growth funding tier in 2021. This tier offers up to $400,000, available in both fiat and cryptocurrency, aiming to bolster companies that previously received seed funding and showcased promising outcomes.
As of 2024, the Fund has included three additional companies into its growth cohort: Rumsan in Nepal, Xcapit in Argentina, and Tilli in Sri Lanka. These organizations highlight the transformative role of frontier technologies like blockchain and AI in delivering substantial social impact and outcomes for children. The inclusion of these companies brings the total cohort to 15 startups.
Rumsan’s Rahat platform exemplifies the potential of blockchain technology in humanitarian aid, fostering enhanced transparency, accountability, and efficiency. A 2023 pilot project by UNICEF Nepal utilizing the Rahat platform for cash and voucher assistance (CVA) demonstrated superior security through blockchain’s immutable ledgers and encryption, compared to traditional digital CVA platforms. The platform also includes unbanked beneficiaries, addressing a considerable gap in financial inclusion.
Swiss bankers and officials have developed new financial infrastructures, issuing tokenized bonds settled in the country's experimental digital currency.