Research Projects
and Papers

In this featured analysis, we discussed the potential risks of the current correspondent banking model, the opportunities for Distributed Ledger Technology and digital currencies in international payments, the different types of digital currencies that are currently being experimented by commercial banks, and Canadian's perception on cryptocurrencies as a medium for international payment.

In this article, we offer a summary survey of methods to effect cross-border payments. Specifically, we highlight some of the key channels through which cross-border payments are made their advantages and disadvantages. We also touch on developments in the industry such as SWIFT gpi and the ongoing efforts to effect cross-border funds transfer using digital currencies from Project Jasper-Ubin to JP Morgan’s Interbank Information Network and Facebook’s Libra.

Payment card usage around the world is growing as payment habits shift towards more online and contactless card-based payment methods. Canada has been described as one of the most cashless societies in the world, due mostly to its use of card payments, and its near universal consumer debit card ownership. In this featured analysis, I discussed the debit card schemes around the world, how it may play a role in E-commerce, and Real-Time payments.

In this article, we discuss whether or not Canada is truly moving towards a cashless society. We focus on the heavy users of consumer cash payments in Canada, to better understand the main areas where electronic payments are coming up short in providing alternatives to the use of cash. Our market research suggests that cash is still prevalent and will continue to be an important medium of exchange unless some difficult challenges are addressed.