[parm289]

You mention fees and AML/anti-terrorism regulation...it seems that the major impediment to cross-border wire transfers and ACH is regulation, not a lack of infrastructural capability. Assuming most countries have the same goals with regard to regulation, it seems feasible to develop some overarching regulatory system which would permit international transfer. I wonder if one can transfer money easily within the EU -- that could serve as a next step or a guide to implementation.

Just brainstorming here. I really do suspect that most of the benefits of cryptocurrency are due to the way it interacts with technology, which can be imitated through just a bit of innovation in the banking industry. (Imagine banks allowing customers to script transactions, like Bitcoin, or providing direct APIs to bill-pay and ACH transactions.)