While blockchains continue to revolutionize payments by allowing instant transfers, Singapore’s central bank believes that three business days is a “timely transfer” for single-currency stablecoins (SCS), which is similar to transfer speed requirements for domestic money transfers.
On Aug. 15, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) released its regulatory framework for stablecoins in the city-state. In the newly-published guidelines, the financial regulator highlighted that it would consider three business days as a timely transfer for SCS despite some feedback calling for a shorter time frame.
Screenshot of MAS’ response to the public consultation on stablecoins. Source: MAS
According to MAS, while SCS transfers may be expected to be completed more quickly because they are done on a blockchain, transfers of MAS-regulated stablecoins may “occur on various types of blockchain infrastructure that may have different service standards.” The central bank wrote that these types of blockchain infrastructures may not always be under the control of intermediaries. MAS wrote:
“MAS will retain the proposed timeline of three business days. This would mirror the existing money transmission requirement for domestic money transfer services.”
Apart from stablecoin transfers, MAS also indicated that SCS redemptions need a longer time period. According to the document, redeeming stablecoins back to fiat will be given five business days. This response from MAS came despite some respondents arguing that redemptions must be done “within a shorter time frame, or even on a real-time basis.”
According to MAS, it will proceed with the requirement that issuers return the value of MAS-regulated SCS to holders within five business days. The regulator explained:
“The redemption timeline is intended to strike a balance between responsiveness to users’ requests and ensuring there is enough time for the SCS issuer to do so in an orderly manner under various stress situations.”
Cointelegraph reached out to MAS for comment but did not get an immediate response.
Stablecoins issued jointly by companies in the EU and other regions could come under scrutiny from local authorities following a reported warning from a watchdog group.
Wes Streeting has paid tribute to Angela Rayner and said Labour “wants her back and needs her back”.
The health secretary heaped praise on his former cabinet colleague during a wide-ranging speech at the annual party conference, which was packed with attacks on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Ms Rayner resigned as deputy party leader and housing secretary after a row about her tax affairsearlier this month.
Addressing members gathered in Liverpool, Mr Streeting said Labour’s new fair pay agreement for care workers could not have been achieved without her.
He said: “There’s someone else who’s made a real difference, who understands the struggle care workers face because she was one.
“She brought that experience to the cabinet table as the care worker who became our country’s deputy prime minister. Angela Rayner, this achievement is yours. Thank you.”
There was a big round of applause as Mr Streeting added: “And we want her back as well. We’ll definitely make sure she sees that. We need her back.”
Image: Angela Rayner resigned earlier this month. File pic: AP
The message could be seen as trying to get grassroots members onside amid grim polling predictions for Labour and questions over whether Sir Keir Starmer can survive.
Ms Rayner is popular with the Labour membership – they elected her as deputy leader in 2020, but she gave up this position as well as her cabinet roles when it emerged she had underpaid stamp duty on a flat in Hove.
In his speech, Mr Streeting also praised the Unison and GMB unions for standing up for care workers.
However, that was as far as his good will stretched – as he launched several stinging attacks on his opponents.
Farage ‘snake oil salesman’
The cabinet minister, seen as one of the government’s best communicators, accused Mr Farage of being the “snake oil salesman” of British politics and vowed to send him “packing” at the next election.
He argued that while Labour wants to modernise the NHS – with plans for an “online” hospital– the Reform leader wants an insurance system that “checks your pockets before your pulse”.
“It might be right for Mr Moneybags. We know he can afford it. But what about those who can’t?” Mr Streeting asked.
“Be in no doubt. It’s not reform he’s offering. It’s a retreat. If that’s the fight Farage wants, I say bring it.”
Mr Farage has previously spoken about being open to an insurance based model for the NHS, drawing a big dividing line with the Labour Party, which founded the National Health Service after the Second World War.
Mr Streeting said the party must win another fight too, “against the poison of post-truth politics”.
Image: Nigel Farage said attacks on him were a ‘desperate last throw of the dice’. Pic PA
“This man wasn’t just some fringe figure, he’s Reform’s health adviser. These anti-vax lies have consequences, they’ve led to the return of diseases we thought we had defeated,” said Mr Streeting.
“Nigel Farage is a snake oil salesman of British politics and it’s time to stop buying what he’s selling.”
A Reform spokesperson previously said the doctor was a “guest speaker with his own opinions who has an advisory role in the US government”.
“Reform UK does not endorse what he said but does believe in free speech,” they added.
Trouble ahead
Mr Streeting’s speech reflects government efforts to ramp up its rhetoric against Reform UK, after two major polls predicted the insurgent party will win the next general election as fed-up voters abandon mainstream politics.
While that is many years away, some MPs see the devolved and local elections next May as a crunch test that could determine Sir Keir’s political survival.
Mr Streeting acknowledged this threat, saying it is not just Mr Farage Labour would “send packing”.
He said: “Whether it’s English nationalism with Reform, Scottish nationalism with the SNP or Welsh nationalism with Plaid we’ll take them all on.”
Mr Farage said attacks on him were a “desperate last throw of the dice” for a party in “deep trouble”, adding: “Never before have I seen one name that’s dominated a conference so much – yes it’s me, Nigel Farage.”
With about two weeks to go until Superintendent Adrienne Harris is expected to leave the NYDFS, she announced a two-year update to guidance for New York crypto users.