Staking its claim as a first mover in the digital banking space, Brazil is iterating its way to a digital version of its official currency. Number 7 on our #MIP2022 list, the bancocentraldobrasil Digital Real project aims to maximize interoperability and support cross-border payments, while putting a dent in money laundering and the financing of illicit operations.⁠ ⁠ The first step? Inviting 43 fintech innovators from around the world to build minimum viable products that aid the bank in rapidly exploring potential applications. German digital payments firm gieseckedevrient, for example, is piloting ways to make transactions available without an internet connection—helping build financial inclusion.⁠ ⁠ The debut of the digital currency has been delayed until 2024, but once it does go live, the Central Bank is already planning to connect with future technology by putting blockchain and web 3.0 in place.⁠ ⁠ “You have to work in an agile approach, doing iterative projects where you learn...