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Rise of the central bank digital currencies: drivers, approaches and technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Raphael Auer
  • Giulio Cornelli
  • Jon Frost

Abstract

Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are receiving more attention than ever before. Yet the motivations for issuance vary across countries, as do the policy approaches and technical designs. We investigate the economic and institutional drivers of CBDC development and take stock of design efforts. We set out a comprehensive database of technical approaches and policy stances on issuance, relying on central bank speeches and technical reports. Most projects are found in digitised economies with a high capacity for innovation. Work on retail CBDCs is more advanced where the informal economy is larger. We next take stock of the technical design options. More and more central banks are considering retail CBDC architectures in which the CBDC is a direct cash-like claim on the central bank, but where the private sector handles all customer-facing activity. We conclude with an in-depth description of three distinct CBDC approaches by the central banks of China, Sweden and Canada.

Suggested Citation

  • Raphael Auer & Giulio Cornelli & Jon Frost, 2020. "Rise of the central bank digital currencies: drivers, approaches and technologies," BIS Working Papers 880, Bank for International Settlements.
    • Handle: RePEc:bis:biswps:880
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    central bank digital currency; CBDC; central banking; digital currency; digital money; distributed ledger technology; blockchain;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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