What are CBDCs?
Central Bank Digital Currencies: the future of government-created money.
1. What is a CBDC?
Definition and basics
A CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) is digital money issued directly by a central bank. It is the digital equivalent of cash.
Unlike cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, CBDCs are controlled by the government and have the backing of the State. They are not decentralized.
Key Characteristics
Issued by State
Created and backed by the Central Bank (e.g., Fed, ECB)
Centralized
A single entity controls the supply and rules
Digital Cash
Intended to function exactly like physical banknotes but online
Legal Tender
Must be accepted as payment by law in its jurisdiction
2. Privacy Deep Dive
The real concern: programmability
3. CBDC vs Crypto vs Cash
Understanding the differences
4. The Digital Euro
What Europe is planning
5. CBDCs Around the World
Who is leading the race?
6. Implementation Timeline
When will it happen?
7. Our Recommendation
How to prepare
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about digital currency