FX.co ★ The global CBDC race heats up: 94% of central banks explore digital currencies

In 2024, CBDC - digital currencies of central banks - attracted much attention. US politicians and lawmakers intensively discussed the merits of digital money, and the teams for and against it firmly adhered to their positions.And even though some are taking steps to prohibit the creation of CBDC in the United States, including the passage of a law by the House of Representatives on combating CBDC surveillance, the worldwide movement to launch digital versions replacing paper money continues to gain momentum. According to the latest survey of central banks conducted by the BIS - Bank for International Settlements, 94% of the surveyed central banks are exploring the possibility of creating a CBDC.This survey was conducted in 2023, and responses were received by 86 central banks, who shared information about their participation in the CBDC, as well as their motives and intentions for its potential release.The report says that as early as 2022, the participation of central banks in CBDC was high. Most central banks are working on retail and wholesale CBDCs. About 30% of central banks focus on retail CBDCs. At the same time, 2% work only on wholesale CBDC. More than half, making up 54%, are experimenting with proof of concept, and one in three, totalling 31%, is launching a pilot project.The report also indicates that the probability of a CBDC wholesale release over the next six years is now higher than the probability of a retail sale.The six-year time horizon highlights that many CBDC functions have not yet been defined. Still, the first place in the list of wCBDC wholesale is occupied by compatibility and programming functions that will help ensure a smooth transition and contribute to wider adoption. Retail is designated rCBDC.According to BIS, for retail CBDCs, more than half of central banks are considering storage limits, interoperability, offline options and zero remuneration.Regarding stablecoins and the potential problems they pose for the implementation of CBDC, according to BIS research, stablecoins are rarely used for payments outside the crypto ecosystem. Moreover, two of the three responding jurisdictions have or are working on a regulatory system for stablecoins and other crypto assets.In addition, BIS noted the increasing efforts of governments to establish clear rules regarding crypto assets.More than 60% of the responding jurisdictions have or are developing a regulatory framework for stablecoins and other crypto assets. And 48% of these jurisdictions have chosen or are developing individual regulation, as the opportunities, risks and features of crypto assets do not fit into the existing regulatory framework. The conclusion of the report was as follows: since CBDC and payment regulation decisions are sovereign, jurisdictions are required to cooperate and coordinate their actions in order to offer users a safe and effective payment experience both domestically and abroad.