Central Bank Digital Currencies in the Middle East and Central Asia
Central Bank Digital Currencies in the Middle East and Central Asia

Author: Serpil Bouza

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2024-04-26

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13:

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Against the backdrop of a rapidly digitalizing world, there is a growing interest in central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) among central banks, including in the Middle East and Central Asia (ME&CA) region. This paper aims to support ME&CA policymakers in examining key questions when considering the adoption of a CBDC while underscoring the importance of country-specific analyses. This paper does not provide recommendations on CBDC issuance. Instead, it frames the discussion around the following key questions: What is a CBDC? What objectives do policymakers aim to achieve with the issuance of a CBDC? Which inefficiencies in payment systems can CBDCs address? What are the implications of CBDC issuance for financial stability and central bank operational risk? How can CBDC design help achieve policy objectives and mitigate these risks? The paper provides preliminary answers to these questions at the regional level. A survey of IMF teams and public statements from ME&CA policymakers confirm that promoting financial inclusion and making payment systems more efficient (domestic and cross-border) are the top priorities in the region. Payment services through CBDCs, if offered at a lower cost than existing alternatives, could spur competition in the payment market and help increase access to bank accounts, improve financial inclusion, and update legacy technology platforms. CBDCs may also help improve the efficiency of cross-border payment services, especially if designed to address frictions arising from a lack of payment system interoperability, complex processing of compliance checks, long transaction chains, and weak competition. At the same time, CBDCs could negatively impact bank profitability while introducing a substantial operational burden for central banks. However, the exact economic and financial impacts of CBDCs need further study and would depend on estimates of CBDC demand, which are uncertain and country- dependent. CBDC issuance and adoption is a long journey that policymakers should approach with care. Policymakers need to analyze carefully whether a CBDC serves their country’s objectives and whether the expected benefits outweigh the potential costs, in addition to risks for the financial system and operational risks for the central bank.

Legal Aspects of Central Bank Digital Currency: Central Bank and Monetary Law Considerations
Legal Aspects of Central Bank Digital Currency: Central Bank and Monetary Law Considerations

Author: Wouter Bossu

Publisher: INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND

Published: 2020-11-20

Total Pages: 51

ISBN-13: 9781513561622

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This paper analyzes the legal foundations of central bank digital currency (CBDC) under central bank and monetary law. Absent strong legal foundations, the issuance of CBDC poses legal, financial and reputational risks for central banks. While the appropriate design of the legal framework will up to a degree depend on the design features of the CBDC, some general conclusions can be made. First, most central bank laws do not currently authorize the issuance of CBDC to the general public. Second, from a monetary law perspective, it is not evident that “currency” status can be attributed to CBDC. While the central bank law issue can be solved through rather straithforward law reform, the monetary law issue poses fundmental legal policy challenges.

Cash Use Across Countries and the Demand for Central Bank Digital Currency
Cash Use Across Countries and the Demand for Central Bank Digital Currency

Author: Mr.Tanai Khiaonarong

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2019-03-01

Total Pages: 43

ISBN-13: 1484399609

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The level and trend in cash use in a country will influence the demand for central bank digital currency (CBDC). While access to digital currency will be more convenient than traveling to an ATM, it only makes CBDC like a bank debit card—not better. Demand for digital currency will thus be weak in countries where cash use is already very low, due to a preference for cash substitutes (cards, electronic money, mobile phone payments). Where cash use is very high, demand should be stronger, due to a lack of cash substitutes. As the demand for CBDC is tied to the current level of cash use, we estimate the level and trend in cash use for 11 countries using four different measures. A tentative forecast of cash use is also made. After showing that declining cash use is largely associated with demographic change, we tie the level of cash use to the likely demand for CBDC in different countries. In this process, we suggest that one measure of cash use is more useful than the others. If cash is important for monetary policy, payment instrument competition, or as an alternative payment instrument in the event of operational problems with privately supplied payment methods, the introduction of CBDC may best be introduced before cash substitutes become so ubiquitous that the viability of CBDC could be in doubt.

Recent Central Bank Digital Currency Developments in Asia and Their Implications
Recent Central Bank Digital Currency Developments in Asia and Their Implications

Author: Asian Development Bank

Publisher: Asian Development Bank

Published: 2023-08-01

Total Pages: 158

ISBN-13: 9292702815

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This publication analyzes the evolution of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) in Asia and the Pacific, assesses their potential risks and technical challenges, and explores their potential to improve cross-border payments and financial inclusion. Ahead of the launch of any large-scale Asian CBDC, it details various models and explores how Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Singapore, and Thailand are taking the lead. Outlining global developments and emerging trends, it shows why a robust digital infrastructure, strong public-private collaboration, and fintech literacy are central to ensuring CBDCs help drive the transition to a digital economy.

Towards Central Bank Digital Currencies in Asia and the Pacific
Towards Central Bank Digital Currencies in Asia and the Pacific

Author: Mrs. Sarwat Jahan

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-09-28

Total Pages: 44

ISBN-13:

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Drawing on survey responses from 34 Asian economies and country case studies, this note takes stock of recent developments related to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and crypto assets in Asia. The survey finds that there is significant heterogeneity in terms of stage of development, but the emergence of private crypto assets has created an impetus to consider CBDCs. While most countries are engaged in research and development, with some at advanced stages of testing and pilots, very few countries are likely to issue CBDCs in the near-to-medium term, reflecting the still considerable uncertainties. Still, country experiences so far provide some key insights for others in their journey in this area.

Exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies: Concepts, Frameworks, Models, and Challenges
Exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies: Concepts, Frameworks, Models, and Challenges

Author: Kaur, Guneet

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2024-03-07

Total Pages: 380

ISBN-13:

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In the ever-evolving landscape of global finance, the rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) has introduced a myriad of challenges that demand immediate scholarly attention. The accelerating pace of digital transformation, coupled with the intricate dynamics of these novel currencies, poses significant hurdles in their widespread adoption. From privacy concerns to the technological complexities involved, the academic community finds itself at the forefront of deciphering the multifaceted challenges inherent in the CBDC landscape. Addressing this imperative need for comprehensive analysis is the groundbreaking publication, Exploring Central Bank Digital Currencies: Concepts, Frameworks, Models, and Challenges. Within the pages of this compelling work, scholars will encounter a meticulous exploration of the intricate evolution of money, navigating from traditional barter systems to the digital era. The catalytic role of Bitcoin in reshaping the financial landscape serves as a cornerstone, laying the foundation for a profound understanding of the cryptocurrency fundamentals that underpin CBDCs. This book delves into the conceptual frameworks and technological models shaping CBDCs, aiming to illuminate the complex challenges faced by central banks, governments, and financial institutions in their pursuit of digital currency integration.

Central Bank Digital Currencies and the Global Financial System
Central Bank Digital Currencies and the Global Financial System

Author: Muhammad Ashfaq

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2023-07-24

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 3110982390

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Central Bank Digital Currencies and Global Financial System: Theory and Practice is the perfect book for anyone interested in the impact of digital currencies on the global financial system, providing valuable insights and analysis on the topic. The topic of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is particularly relevant in 2023 because the use of digital currencies is rapidly growing around the world, and many central banks are exploring the idea of developing their own CBDCs. This book offers readers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of CBDCs, including their history, differences with cryptocurrencies, and the potential impact of CBDCs on the future of the financial system. The book’s didactic approach breaks down complex topics into easily digestible chapters, allowing readers to easily understand and follow the progression of digital currencies. For those interested in the future of digital currencies, the book offers a chapter on future research directions and concluding remarks. Central Bank Digital Currencies and Global Financial System: Theory and Practice is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of finance and technology. By exploring the evolution of digital currencies and their impact on the global financial system, this book provides valuable insights for policymakers, financial professionals, and anyone looking to understand the future of money.

The (near) Future of Central Bank Digital Currencies
The (near) Future of Central Bank Digital Currencies

Author: Nicola Bilotta

Publisher: Peter Lang Gmbh, Internationaler Verlag Der Wissenschaften

Published: 2021-02-26

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 9783034342759

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The value of global cashless payments has been radically increasing worldwide. Despite cash being the most used payment instrument in the world, technological innovation and new consumer preferences are decisively transforming the way consumers pay and manage money. The COVID-19 pandemic may also have been an accelerator of the cashless mega-trend. Private players currently dominate the digital payment ecosystem, urging central banks to seek solutions to ensure public access to legal tender if cash is phased out. In this context, the idea of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is gaining momentum. Nevertheless, there is a need to better understand the implications in terms of risks, benefits and potential costs of CBDCs. From privacy concerns to macroeconomic effects, these implications blur the boundaries of the payment and financial systems, challenging the core functions of our economy and society.

Central Bank Digital Currency
Central Bank Digital Currency

Author: Leo Kriese

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-12-02

Total Pages: 221

ISBN-13: 3031447387

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This book offers a deeper understanding of digitisation and innovative technologies in the financial sector. It focuses on a digital version of sovereignly created money that is accessible to the broad public. This central bank digital currency (CBDC) raises several questions. Will CBDC lead to public surveillance of the citizens? What is digital money in the legal sense? And what is the difference to already existing forms of digital money? This book addresses main questions associated with central bank digital currency by providing background information as well as in-depth analyses. The book introduces a basic understanding of innovative technologies such as the distributed ledger technology. It shows how a system of money can be created and what roles each participant has. Taking an economic point of view, the book demonstrates the monetary policy in the euro area and examines how a digital version of public money could affect the transmission mechanism as well as the financial stability. Could CBDC lead to a "digital bank run"? Could it replace the established financial intermediaries such as banks? What would that mean to the economy? Mainly, the book focuses on the legal issues of CBDC. Which is the competent institution for establishing digital public money? Will digital money change the way of how we handle financial data? Also, the book examines the legal usability of CBDC in the economy. How can digital money based on innovative technologies be transferred in accordance with the law? Can a debtor of a monetary claim flee into the digital currency? This book addresses the public and private sector participants as well as the legislators on how to handle CBDC. Most important, the book addresses everyone interested in digitisation and innovative financial technology who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the next big evolvement of money.

Casting Light on Central Bank Digital Currencies
Casting Light on Central Bank Digital Currencies

Author: Mr.Tommaso Mancini Griffoli

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2018-11-12

Total Pages: 39

ISBN-13: 1484384571

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Digitalization is reshaping economic activity, shrinking the role of cash, and spurring new digital forms of money. Central banks have been pondering wheter and how to adapt. One possibility is central bank digital currency (CBDC)-- a widely accessible digital form of fiat money that could be legal tender. This discussion note proposes a conceptual framework to assess the case for CBDC adoption from the perspective of users and central banks. It discusses possible CBDC designs, and explores potential benefits and costs, with a focus on the impact on monetary policy, financial stability, and integrity. This note also surveys research and pilot studies on CBDC by central banks around the world.