From ATMs to artificial intelligence, technology is continually transforming the way consumers interact with money.  However, technological developments and policy analysis are often siloed from each other, which makes it harder to enact effective public policies.

In our new blog series, Fintech Frontlines, our aim is to bridge that gap. Here, we will capture the various policy prerogatives that need to be considered as technological advancements in finance impact consumers and businesses. These posts will provide technically detailed, evidence-driven reflections into current and future developments, the challenges that technologists and policy-makers face, and solutions that can actually work.

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Fintech Frontlines

Apr 21, 2025

Fast payments in action: Emerging lessons from Brazil and India

By Polina Kempinsky

These lessons are shaping a framework governments can use to evaluate their need for central bank-led immediate payment systems, their potential structure, organizational features, and the trade-offs involved.

Brazil Digital Currencies

Econographics

Mar 14, 2025

What is strategic about the new digital assets reserve?

By JP Schnapper-Casteras

To many on Wall Street and Main Street, this executive order on a strategic bitcoin reserve may still seem more like political maneuvering than sober monetary policy.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

Econographics

Feb 12, 2025

Central bank digital currencies versus stablecoins: Divergent EU and US perspectives

By Barbara C. Matthews, Hung Tran

All policymakers agree on one point: both CBDCs and stablecoins will significantly impact the global role of the US dollar.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

Econographics

Jan 28, 2025

The 2025 crypto policy landscape: Looming EU and US divergences?

By Hung Tran, Barbara C. Matthews

High level regulatory and policy alignment is possible. Divergences, heated rhetoric, and drama are inevitable.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

Econographics

Jan 23, 2025

What is next for crypto regulation in the US?

By Ananya Kumar

What does success on the regulatory front actually look like? What does it mean for the rest of the world? We dive into the dozen bills under consideration in Congress and zoom in on the three big themes for crypto regulation in 2025.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

Fintech Frontlines

Aug 12, 2024

Tech regulation requires balancing security, privacy, and usability 

By Karen Sowon, Giulia Fanti, JP Schnapper-Casteras

Good policy intentions can lead to unintended consequences when usability, privacy, and security are not balanced—policymakers must think like product designers to avoid these challenges.

Digital Policy East Africa

Fintech Frontlines

Jun 14, 2024

Designing a blueprint for open, free and trustworthy digital economies

By Carole House

US digital policy must be aimed at improving national security, defending human freedom, dignity, and economic growth while ensuring necessary accountability for the integrity of the technological bedrock.

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity

Fintech Frontlines

May 14, 2024

What to do about ransomware payments

By Carole House

And why payment bans alone aren’t sufficient.

Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity