Russia’s central bank adds blockchain-friendly firm

Russia’s central bank is continuing to grow its blockchain footprint, having announced the creation of a new FinTech association focused in part on studying the technology. Officially formed on 28th December, the group includes representatives from major Russian banks including Alfa Bank, Sberbank and VTB, among others. Payments processor Qiwi and the National System of Payment Cards (NSPK), which operates Russia’s nationwide Mir charge card, are also on board. Qiwi CEO Sergey Solonin will be the association’s new chief going forwards, the firm said earlier this week. Among financial companies in Russia, Qiwi has emerged as a prominent proponent of the tech. In addition to blockchain, the Bank of Russia said it would also be investigating identification technologies and new payment system frameworks through the association. Read more: coindesk.com