IMF CBDC Virtual Handbook

The latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) has published a blog which highlights its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Virtual Handbook. It draws attention to the explosion of interest in CBDCs and the need to design them appropriately.

It makes the point that the benefits of a CBDC are more likely to come in time. Policies will need to develop, the private sector will require time to respond, and technology will evolve. Much of the work on CBDCs is, of course, ‘just in case’.

It highlights not just those who have introduced CBDCs – the Bahamas, Jamaica and Nigeria – but also Brazil, China, the euro area, India and the UK who are leading exploration.

Currently the IMF’s CBDC Virtual handbook consists of five sections,