Mastercard, in conjunction with the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC), has successfully concluded its central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot project. This project delved deep into exploring practical applications of a CBDC within the Australian economy.
Consequently, the partnership has unveiled a mechanism that fosters the seamless interoperability of CBDCs with a myriad of blockchains. Hence, this innovation offers consumers heightened security and convenience, enabling them to navigate commerce on various blockchain platforms.
Innovation at its finest: CBDCs and the Ethereum Blockchain
The solution, designed collaboratively with Cuscal and Mintable, features robust controls. These controls ensure that the CBDC, exclusively for this pilot, remains accessible only to approved entities.
These entities undergo rigorous verification through Know Your Customer (KYC) processes conducted by licensed service providers. Moreover, this technology offers a promising avenue for users of public blockchains. Significantly, the platform underwent a live demonstration, illustrating how a user of the pilot CBDC could acquire a non-fungible token (NFT) on the Ethereum blockchain.
During this procedure, an amount equivalent to the pilot CBDC got “locked” on the RBA’s platform. Simultaneously, a corresponding quantity of wrapped CBDC tokens emerged on Ethereum.
However, there were prerequisites for this experimental transaction. The Ethereum wallets of the buyer, seller, and the NFT marketplace smart contract had to be ‘allow-listed’ on the platform. Additionally, any other transfers involving the wrapped pilot CBDC faced restrictions. This mechanism effectively showcased the platform’s capability to implement stringent controls, even on public blockchains.
Mastercard unveiled its Multi Token Network in June 2023. This innovative system integrates essential features that optimize payment and commercial applications using blockchain technology. For instance, the Mastercard Crypto Credential presents a unified verification standard. This framework facilitates trustworthy interactions on blockchain networks. Additionally, it promises interoperability, thus delivering functionalities across various payment tokens and systems.
The Multi Token Network, currently in its beta phase, aligns with Mastercard’s overarching strategy. This strategy emphasizes the expansion of blockchain technology across numerous payment scenarios. It paves the way for regulated bodies to harness the potentials inherent in digital assets. Furthermore, the platform is undergoing trials with selected financial institutions globally.
Richard Wormald, Division President, Australasia at Mastercard, stated, “By allowing individuals to effortlessly transfer digital currencies via Mastercard’s trusted network, we envision an uptick in the number of consumers diving into crypto ecosystems.”
Additionally, Nathan Churchward, Domain Lead, Payments at Cuscal, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Mastercard. He emphasized that the collaboration will revolutionize the future of banking and payments in Australia.
