European Nations Proposing Plans for Libra Competitor

The German Central Bank called out on banks across Europe to come up with a cheaper competitor for Facebook’s Libra Coin. 

Jens Weidmann who serves as an official of the European Central Bank and the President of the German Central Bank announced the suggestion earlier today. The financial expert who seems against the idea of digital Euro believes that European nations have the ability to create a faster and cheaper Libra alternative.

Despite having a hard time the previous year, Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook are putting up work to win regulatory approval. Following the announcement of China’s digital stablecoin posing as succinct competitors to Libra coin, other nations are head-on heels to launch their own CBDC.

Libra’s many wars seem to be as a result of the power it might hold. Most people believe allowing Facebook’s inclusion into financial data; in addition to the personal data it currently poses -; gives it better traction to outshine the United States Dollar. 

Cheap, Fast & Transparent Libra Alternative

Several nations, as well as technologists, have been scrutinizing the pieces of the puzzle. For instance how the social media giant has been working around the clock to win regulatory frameworks. Hence, these nations are also working tirelessly to find a better option for Libra. Meanwhile, Jens Weidmann called out on other banks in the region to develop a better alternative for Libra, that will be cheaper, faster and transparent. 

Weidmann stated that smaller banks are in a better position to provide such a solution to customer requests. In fact, he noted that he didn’t believe in creating an immediate solution’; but a corresponding offer to carter for customer requests. 

Credit: Wikipedia

Mark Zuckerberg lastly noted that Libra would serve the world as a standalone entity from Facebook. Furthermore, since Facebook seems to be the key reason that Libra is still lagging with compliance -; Separating both entities seemed the best way forward for Libra. Meanwhile, Ripple Chief Executive Officer Brad Garlinghouse said that the project will only launch until 2023.

Lack of Concrete Plan to Launch Libra in 2020

For instance blockchain analyst Bello Perez believes that Libra lacks a concrete plan to see it launch in 2020. A board member Patrick Ellis had previously told Reuters that the Libra Association didn’t have plans to determine its launch this year. 

“At this stage, there is no strategy set in stone for the markets or the product, or how it will actually get rolled out,” 

However, After reaching out to Ellis on whether Libra would actually launch in 2020, he simply said “Yes.”

Initially, the social media giant sent the world into a frenzy when it drafted plans to launch a digital coin. Facebook announced that it had garnered support from at least 28 companies such as PayPal, Mastercard and Visa. 

However, it wasn’t long before global regulators began showing concern and issuing warning. A situation that scared several Libra backers including Paypal and Mastercard. Libra’s story turned gaga spiralling into a congress questioning of Facebook President Mark Zuckerberg. 

The barrel of regulatory scrutiny is believed to have been among the reasons for several members of the Libra Association exiting. For instance, the European Union antitrust began probing Facebook Inc back in August. 

Moreover, the European Commission began to investigate Libra’s potential anti-competitive mannerism, amid rising concern that the payment system had the capability to cut off rivals. 

Swiss Concerns With Libra

Recently, shortly before the end of 2019. Switzerland President noted that Libra had failed and required reworking to win approval. For instance, he raised concern about the type of currencies underpinning the stablecoin. He said:

“I don’t think (Libra has a chance in its current form), because central banks will not accept the basket of currencies underpinning it,” 

Richard M Adrian: Blockchain Analyst, Editor, Sales Copy Writer, Technology Journalist and Blogger