CBDC Examples

This chapter shows that as of October 2023, almost 130 countries, accounting for over 95% of the global GDP, are exploring or developing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). The Bahamas and Jamaica have launched digital currencies, with The Bahamas’ Sand Dollar leading as the first. Nigeria, the Eastern Caribbean, and China are conducting significant pilots, with China's e-CNY reaching 260 million people. The Bank for International Settlements’ survey indicates over half of the participating central banks are involved in CBDC experiments or pilots, predicting 15 retail and 9 wholesale CBDCs by 2028. In Sweden, the e-Krona is being evaluated for its feasibility and privacy aspects. The United States is researching a Digital Dollar, amid political opposition over privacy concerns. The UK is considering a Digital Pound, balancing accessibility with privacy. The European Union's Digital Euro, led by the ECB, focuses on privacy and strategic autonomy, aiming for a potential 2027 launch.