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"At the BCT we are convinced that clamping down on a technology at its inception would be a mistake and that we must follow it very closely, understand it well, even experiment with it and prepare as best as possible for effective monitoring of its '' uses cases '' ”, Dixit, Mr. Marouane EL Abassi, Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT)

"The Central Bank of Tunisia has made the strategic choice to position itself as a facilitator with the Tunisian innovation ecosystem. This is our bet for the coming period. For this, the Tunisian Broadcasting Institute has equipped itself with the necessary mechanisms like the Fintech Committee, the regulatory Sandbox which will be launched on January 21, the BCT-Lab and the BCT-Fintech website. Also, all of this work is enhanced by quality regional and international cooperation. ”

This is, in essence, the message of Mr. Marouane EL Abassi, Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) during his speech, Friday January 17, 2020 in Saint Moritz (Switzerland), during the 3rd edition of the “Crypto -Finance Conference ”.

In front of a high level audience, marked, in particular, by the presence of MM. Ignazio Cassis and Thomas Moser, respectively representatives of the Swiss Federal Council and the Swiss National Bank and a large panel of investors, Mr. EL Abassi presented the Tunisian policy as well as the approach of the BCT for the promotion of innovation finance in Tunisia.

To this end, Mr. El Abassi urged the investors present to pay close attention to the Tunisian innovation ecosystem, "with a talented youth and high potential", to use his expression. Also, the Governor of the BCT seized the opportunity to present the Tunisian regulatory framework in the matter: "revolutionary regulations," he said, "and of which the '' Start-up Act '' represents the point of organ with all the provisions conducive to entrepreneurship based on innovation ”.

Regarding the position of the BCT on blockchain and cryptocurrency, Mr. El Abassi estimated that Tunisia is following very closely the evolutions of this technology. As proof, he cited the organization, since 2018, by the BCT of the African Blockchain Summit and the ongoing PoCs on innovative solutions based on Blockchain technology.

For Mr. El Abassi, the BCT, in its capacity as regulator of the financial sector, scrutinizes the work of central banks in relation to cryptocurrency. "At the moment we have a definite interest in Blockchain technology in its uses for financial inclusion. What is certain is that at the BCT we are convinced that clamping down on a technology at its inception would be a mistake and that we must follow it very closely, understand it well, even experiment with it and prepare as best as possible for a effective monitoring of its '' uses cases '' ”.

Following the intervention of the Governor, the participants expressed their interest in the level of development of financial innovation in Tunisia and the role that the BCT is playing. Also, several investors have expressed their wish to visit Tunisia and finance innovative projects.

Founded in 2017 by 8 Swiss entrepreneurs, the conference brings together more than 200 participants, mainly investors, innovation players, Policy Makers and regulators from around the world to discuss aspects relating to cryptocurrency and technology. from Blockchain. This conference is intended to be a high-level forum for sharing experiences, networking and opening up strategic discussions with practitioners to come up with possible solutions to the difficulties encountered. During the 2020 edition, the emphasis was was put on the dazzling dynamics that characterizes the Swiss ecosystem of cryptocurrencies and Blockchain.