The Federal Reserve Launches FedNow: Instant Interbank Transactions at a Low Cost
The Federal Reserve has introduced FedNow, a new payment system that enables banks and financial institutions to conduct interbank transactions instantly and at a cost of only 0.40 cents. This development has sparked interest and discussion among politicians, financial institutions, cryptocurrency enthusiasts, and the general public. FedNow is considered to be both a prototype for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and an instant payment system.
Key Points:
– FedNow is a payment system accessible to financial institutions through the Federal Reserve’s electronic messaging system, FedLine.
– Compared to other interbank transaction systems like ACH and wire transfers, FedNow offers 24/7 availability, near-instant transactions, and low transaction fees.
– FedNow resembles an intermediated CBDC model, where the central bank controls the CBDC while the private sector (banks) offer accounts and wallets to users.
– Jerome Powell’s evasive responses, known as “Fed Speak,” raise questions about legal parameters, intermediated CBDCs, and the impact on financial privacy and freedom.
– Concerns about FedNow include its potential as a CBDC prototype, disruption to private banking, cyber-security threats, and integration with blockchain systems.
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