CBDCs: It’s Time for Action (OMFIF)

The Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) published a report on how central banks’ opinions on issuing a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC) are evolving, based on a survey of 34 central banks. Three-quarters of central bank survey respondents expect to issue a CBDC. Where 34% expect to issue one in 3-5 years, 91% have done or will conduct feasibility studies. Financial inclusion and preserving central bank monetary sovereignty are the leading motivations for emerging market central banks (44%) and developed market central banks (50%), respectively. Previously ranked as the most challenging feature to deliver, 20% of surveyed central banks report improved satisfaction with progress in offline payments, up from 0% in 2023. [Read more at OMFIF]

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Upcoming Speaking Engagements:

• The Central Bank Payments Conference (Paris, February 17–19) will explore the latest issues and developments confronting central banks and their evolving role as operators, overseers, and catalysts within the payments landscape. The focus will be on cross-border payments, CBDC and tokenization, open finance, instant payments, and financial inclusion, among other topics. When you register get 15% off by using the Kiffmeister15 code. [register here]
• The Global Payments Summit (Paris, February 19–21), the second half of Currency Research Payments Week, will explore emerging payments trends and innovations, positioning the ecosystem’s commercial players — banks, PSPs, solution providers — at the center of the discussions. When you register get 15% off by using the Kiffmeister15 code. [register here]
• The Crypto Assets Conference (Frankfurt, March 26) will explore the latest innovations and emerging industry trends in DLT, blockchain, and crypto assets, through insightful talks, interactive debates, and presentations by industry thought leaders. [Register here]
• The Digital Euro Conference 2025 (Frankfurt, March 27) will explore the future of money with a focus on CBDCs, stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and the intersection of AI and digital ID. When you register, get 20% off the regular ticket price by using the Kiffmeister20 code! [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.