Central Bank Digital Currencies (CDBC’s): An Introduction
Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are digital forms of a country’s fiat currency issued by its central bank. They are being explored as a response to declining cash usage and the rise of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin that could undermine central bank power. The UK’s proposed “Digital Pound” aims to provide an electronic version of cash that retains its stability while improving aspects like instant peer-to-peer transactions. However, potential risks around privacy, financial stability, disintermediating banks, cybersecurity, money laundering, and government control have made CBDCs controversial. Overall, CBDCs could provide benefits but the risks need to be managed through careful design and regulations.