Quick catchup on Libra, Facebook’s crypto, since its big announcement

Libra –  A blockchain technology-based digital currency under formal consent, staged by the American social media company Facebook. The fundamental idea behind Libra is to create a global currency that can be used by people around the world, regardless of their geographical location or access to traditional banking services. By leveraging blockchain technology, which is a decentralized and transparent ledger system, Libra aims to provide a secure and efficient means of conducting financial transactions.

This is yet to come into life and yet at a very basic level. Some experimental code has been released though. The launch is planned to be in 2020.

Libra – Outlook

While the project has faced regulatory challenges and concerns regarding privacy and data protection, the potential benefits of Libra are substantial. It could potentially provide financial inclusion for the unbanked population, facilitate low-cost cross-border transactions, and offer a convenient digital payment solution.

The project has attracted attention due to the involvement of major companies such as PayPal, Visa, and Uber, who are part of the Libra Association responsible for governing the currency. This consortium of organizations aims to establish a stable and scalable digital currency that can be easily integrated into existing financial systems.

It is important to note that the development of Libra is ongoing, and its success will depend on various factors, including regulatory compliance, public adoption, and addressing concerns related to privacy and security. Nonetheless, the project has the potential to disrupt traditional payment systems and reshape the global financial landscape.

Libra – Time Lines

June 18, 2019 – Big Announcement

Facebook announces its new cryptocurrency, Libra, headed by David Marcus former Paypal President. Libra’s mission is to enable a simple global currency and financial infrastructure that empowers millions of people. The Libra Association has 28 founding members.

July 02, 2019 – First Major Challenge

Democrats Call on Facebook to Halt Cryptocurrency Plans. A letter is written to Facebook requesting an immediate moratorium on the implementation of Facebook’s proposed cryptocurrency and digital wallet.

July 17, 2019 – First Major Hearing

David Marcus testifies before the US Congress to answer questions about Libra’s design, privacy measures, and potential impact on the US economy. The hearing is titled, “Examining Facebook’s Proposed Digital Currency and Data Privacy Considerations”. David assures the audience that Libra will not launch without the necessary approvals from regulators.

September 11, 2019 – Facebook engages Swiss Regulator for Payment Licence

Libra Association pursues Payment System License Under FINMA Lead Supervision. It has submitted a request to clear out its regulatory status. The association intends to file an application for a license as a payment system.

September 13, 2019 – European countries Move to Block Libra

France and Germany agree to block Facebook’s Libra cryptocurrency. In a joint statement, the two governments affirm that “no private entity can claim monetary power, which is inherent to the sovereignty of nations”.

September 17, 2019 – Libra moves the launch date

Libra confirms plans to launch in the second half of 2020 instead of initially communicated first half of 2020.

October 4, 2019 – Paypal jumps ship

PayPal says it “[remained] supportive of Libra’s aspirations” but had chosen to focus on its own core businesses.

October 8, 2019 – Senators caution MasterCard and Visa

MasterCard and Visa warned in letters to “expect a high level of scrutiny” if they take on the risks of Libra.

October 11, 2019 – MasterCard, Visa, Stripe, eBay, Mercado Pago, jump ship

Stripe comments – “Stripe is supportive of projects that aim to make online commerce more accessible for people around the world.” Stripe will “remain open to working with the Libra Association at a later stage,” the spokesperson said.

Visa’s comment – “Visa will continue to evaluate and our ultimate decision will be determined by a number of factors, including the Association’s ability to fully satisfy all requisite regulatory expectations. “

October 11, 2019 – Head of Calibra responds to the dropouts

David responds on twitter, “Special thanks to Visa and Mastercard for sticking it out until the 11th hour. The pressure has been intense (understatement). I respect their decision to wait until there’s regulatory clarity for Libra. Change of this magnitude is hard. You know you’re on to something when so much pressure builds up.”

October 14, 2019 – Libra Council Meeting

Libra council members meet in Geneva, Switzerland. Libra signs on 21 founding members, appoints executives and board members. Ex- PayPal director Bertrand Perez remains Libra’s permanent COO, interim MD, and newly appointed Libra’s council and board chairperson.

Booking Holdings pulls out.

October 23, 2019 – Mark Zuckerburg’s grilled by Congress on Libra

Zuckerberg is the sole witness at the hearing, titled, “An Examination of Facebook and Its Impact on the Financial Services and Housing Sectors.” “If at the end of the day we don’t receive the clearances,” Zuckerberg said, “We will not be a part of the association. I believe that this is something that needs to get built. However, I get that I’m not the ideal messenger for this, right now,” Zuckerberg said.

November 15, 2019 – Libra growing stronger as they focus on their strength – writing code

34 Projects in just seven weeks since the launch of the testing network mid-September: 10 wallets, 11 blockchain explorers, 2 IDEs, 1 API, 11 clients

Authors opinion

Author would like to echo a statement by Deng Jianpeng, a professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, “Regardless of whether Libra ends up thwarted by regulators, Facebook has set something unstoppable in motion.” The regulators will have to capacitate and equip themselves to keep up with the exponential growth of technology in financial services. If you are in the Fintech space, keep a close eye on the developments in Libra.

Disclaimer – Please note, the information given here is compiled by @yemuraic from open internet-based various sources. We neither recommend nor advocate anything for Bitcoin, Libra or any other cryptocurrency. This entire information is just to read and get clear about this esoteric subject.

======================== This is a Guest Post =================================

Yemurayi Chinyande  – Passionate, driven product development enthusiast with over 7 years experience in the Fintech sector, (Banks, MNO, Smartech). I have successfully led business analysis and product design & development for products in the following pillars-: Online Payments, Remittances, Mobile Money, Social Payments, Payment Gateways, MicroLoans. I am responsible for ensuring technical solutions delivered meet the business value planned for by the business in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, Burundi and several other African markets the business enters. 

Read about Author at: @yemuraic

Thank you all, for spending your time reading this post. Please share your feedback / comments / critics / agreements or disagreement. Remark for more details about posts, subjects, and relevance please read the disclaimer.

FacebookPage                  Twitter                                      ContactMe

=======================================================================