The Inevitable Rise of CBDCs and Their Potential Impact
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes that state-issued digital currencies have the potential to replace cash, especially in island economies where distributing physical currency is costly. While the adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is not yet widespread, managing director Kristalina Georgieva sees them eventually replacing cash and improving financial inclusion in advanced economies. She also highlighted the potential for CBDCs to offer a safe and low-cost alternative for digital payments, bridging the gap between private monies and providing a yardstick to measure their value.
Georgieva also mentioned the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on financial inclusion through rapid and accurate credit scoring based on various data. While nearly 60% of countries are exploring CBDCs in some form, there are still unresolved issues such as cross-border payments with CBDCs.
Efforts are being made by organizations like the Nobel Sustainability Trust to establish dialogue among central banks to support the adaptation of technical standards for different CBDC solutions.
Hot Take: The Future Role of CBDCs in Shaping Global Economies
The rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) presents a promising opportunity to reshape financial systems and improve financial inclusion worldwide. With the potential to replace physical cash and bridge the gap between private monies, CBDCs could offer a safe and low-cost alternative for digital payments. As technology continues to evolve, artificial intelligence (AI) may play a crucial role in enhancing financial inclusion through rapid credit scoring based on various data. While there are still unresolved issues, efforts are underway to establish dialogue among central banks and support the adaptation of technical standards for different CBDC solutions, paving the way for a transformative shift in global economies.