Central bank digital currency data use and privacy protection (IMF)
The IMF published a Fintech Note that offers a framework to help countries navigate, as well as tools to help them manage, the trade-offs between central bank digital currency (CBDC) data use and privacy protection. It addresses retail CBDC, as data access and privacy-preserving considerations in a wholesale environment are similar to those of the traditional real-time gross settlement (RTGS) systems. It emphasizes the role of institutional arrangements, data collection, access and storage policies, design choices, and technological solutions. At a given level of preference for privacy, central banks can facilitate better use of CBDC data through robust transparency and accountability arrangements, sound policies, and judicious adoption of privacy-by-design approaches including the use of privacy-enhancing technologies. [Read more at the IMF]
Deposit tokenization: survey of overseas initiatives (BOJ)
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) published a survey of global deposit tokenization projects. With the emergence of stablecoins, these initiatives seem to seek an extension of functionality in payment and settlement systems by applying new technologies, such as distributed ledger technology (DLT), to bank deposits as a traditional means of payment. The main reason such initiatives prefer leveraging deposit money is said to be its affinity with the two-tier monetary system and possibly with existing laws or regulations. However, there remain some issues that require further clarification on how payments with tokenized deposits are categorized in the private law system, and how smart contracts provide implications for non-functional requirements and legal certainty. [Read more at the BOJ]
Upcoming Speaking Engagements:
- CBDC Conference, Istanbul, September 10-12. The conference will offer representatives of central banks, commercial banks, technology providers, policy makers and academics the perfect platform to learn about the latest CBDC developments, exchange ideas with experts and peers. [Find out more and register here][Central bank delegates may be eligible for free registration (email registration@cbdc-conference.com to find out more)]
- Digital Currency Conference, London, September 23-24. The conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, and technology and innovation experts to network and discuss all aspects of digital currencies. And enter the KiffmeisterDCC code at registration to get a 20% discount! [Find out more and register here]
And just a reminder that I produce a monthly digest of central bank digital currency (CBDC) developments exclusively for the official sector. So (only) if you work at a central bank, ministry of finance or international financial institution (e.g., the BIS, IMF, OECD, World Bank) and who would like to receive it by email on the first business day of every month, please DM me on LinkedIn or email me at john@kiffmeister.com.
