Central Bank Digital Currencies

Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are digital versions of fiat currencies, issued and backed by central banks. They aim to provide the same functions as physical cash, but with the added benefits of digital technologies, such as convenience, faster and cheaper transactions, and enhanced financial inclusion.

CBDCs can be classified into two categories: wholesale CBDCs and retail CBDCs. Wholesale CBDCs are digital versions of central bank money that are only accessible to financial institutions, such as commercial banks and payment service providers. They are mainly used for interbank settlements and wholesale payments. Retail CBDCs, on the other hand, are digital versions of central bank money that are accessible to the general public, just like physical cash. They can be used for a wide range of transactions, including person-to-person payments, e-commerce, and point-of-sale transactions.

CBDCs can be issued and held either in a centralized or decentralized manner. In a centralized CBDC system, the central bank keeps the ledger itself; in a decentralized design, the central bank issues the currency on a distributed ledger shared with authorised intermediaries. Both types of CBDCs have their own pros and cons, and the choice between them depends on the specific needs and goals of the issuing central bank.

CBDCs could significantly change the way we use money and make payments. As of 2025, three retail CBDCs had been fully launched – the Bahamas’ Sand Dollar (2020), Nigeria’s eNaira (2021) and Jamaica’s JAM-DEX (2022) – while the ECB is preparing a possible digital euro, subject to EU legislation, and a U.S. executive order of January 2025 prohibits federal agencies from establishing a CBDC. They can provide faster, cheaper, and more convenient payment services, especially in countries where access to traditional financial services is limited. They can also enhance financial inclusion by providing a digital alternative to cash for those who do not have bank accounts or credit cards.

However, CBDCs also raise some challenges and concerns. One of the main concerns is the potential impact on commercial banks and other financial institutions, which may lose their intermediation role in the payment system. Another concern is related to privacy and data protection, as CBDCs may allow central banks to collect and analyze vast amounts of data on individuals’ financial transactions.

CBDCs are a significant development in digital money. They offer the potential to enhance financial inclusion, convenience, and efficiency, but they also raise some challenges and concerns that need to be carefully considered and addressed

If you want to discuss with us your specific needs regarding currency creation, please contact our director Isof Baco.