In this chapter we discuss the use of blockchain technology for enterprises, including governments. 7.1. Distributed database: what is it and what for? 7.2. Limitation of Bitcoin’s blockchain for enterprise use. 7.3. Consensus for permissioned distributed systems. 7.4. Enterprise blockchain...

In this chapter we discuss smart contracts and functionalities they afford, especially in combination with blockchain. 6.1. The rise of Ethereum. 6.1.1. History. 6.1.2. Ethereum is “different”. 6.2. Smart contracts. 6.2.1. Smart contracts on Ethereum. 6.2.2. What do smart contracts need a...

We acquire a unique dataset of high-frequency traded prices for bitcoin call and put options from the Deribit cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, by 15-minute sampling via the application programming interface. We use these prices to construct a term structure of bitcoin implied volatility...

A later version of this paper has been published in the Journal of Financial Stability (Volume 50, October 2020, Article Number 100776).When trading volumes are high, bitcoin futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and -- until recently -- the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) lead...

Market betas of bitcoin relative to a broad crypto market index vary considerably, depending on the data source and the index selected. Even greater differences are found for ether and other cryptocurrencies. An in-depth exploration of the cause of these discrepancies reveals a long-standing...

Network analysis has been applied to identify systemically important financial institutions after the 2008 financial crisis. Such applications have stressed the importance of centrality within the too-connected-to-fail concept.Yet, despite their well-known importance for financial stability,...

This paper derives the optimal size of the financial sector using a general equilibrium framework that is an extension of Holmstrom and Tirole's 1997 paper. We show that the financial sector has a unique optimal size relative to the size of the economy as a whole. Creating and maintaining this...

This paper presents the arguments for and against central bank digital currency increasing financial inclusion. Financial inclusion is arguably one of the many reasons for issuing a central bank digital currency. The arguments in support of CBDC increasing financial inclusion are that CBDC can...

Many central banks are currently investigating Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and possible designs. A recent survey conducted by the European Central Bank has found that both citizens and professionals consider privacy the most important feature of a CBDC. We show how a central bank could...

With the emergence of Bitcoin and recently proposed stablecoins from BigTechs, such as Diem (formerly Libra), central banks face growing competition from private actors offering their own digital alternative to physical cash. We do not address the normative question whether a central bank should...