Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) as Cash Replacements
At the Singapore FinTech Festival 2023, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), discussed how Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) could potentially replace traditional cash in society. She highlighted their potential to enhance financial inclusion and resilience in advanced economies, especially in island economies where cash distribution is costly. However, some individuals are skeptical about the centralized and controlled nature of CBDCs.
Decentralized Cryptocurrencies as Cash Alternatives
In response to this skepticism, Finbold asked ChatGPT-4 to identify 10 decentralized cryptocurrencies that could serve as alternatives to CBDCs. The AI also selected 3 out of the 10 and provided justifications for its picks.
Interestingly, the research was conducted using a Telegram bot that accepts multiple cryptocurrencies as payment. It recommended Nano (XNO) as the unit of accounting.
AI’s Top 10 Cryptocurrencies
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Monero (XMR)
- Dash (DASH)
- ZCash (ZCH)
- Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
- Decred (DCR)
- Nano (XNO)
- DigiByte (DGB)
- PIVX (PIVX)
Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin is widely known as digital gold and has strong security and a large network of users and merchants, making it an ideal candidate for replacing cash for those seeking a decentralized option.
— ChatGPT-4
Litecoin (LTC)
Litecoin offers faster transaction times and lower fees, making it efficient for everyday transactions. Its longer track record and technological stability could gain the trust of users looking for cash alternatives.
— ChatGPT-4
Monero (XMR)
Monero’s focus on privacy and anonymity makes it a strong contender for replacing cash. Its use of cryptographic techniques to obfuscate transaction details appeals to users prioritizing financial privacy similar to that provided by cash transactions.
— ChatGPT-4
The Growing Adoption of CBDCs
Despite the appeal of decentralized cryptocurrencies, CBDC adoption is increasing worldwide. As of June 2023, 11 countries have already implemented centralized digital money solutions, with 100 countries exploring their own options. This growing adoption presents challenges for decentralized cryptocurrencies as competitive cash tools due to regulatory difficulties they face.
Hot Take: The Future of Cash
The rise of CBDCs poses significant implications for the future of cash. While decentralized cryptocurrencies offer alternatives, regulatory challenges may hinder their widespread adoption as competitive cash tools.