IBM reports: the central bank may launch consumer-use central bank digital currency within five years

Several central banks are working to develop and distribute a cryptocurrency because of fears that currency control may be lost. Indeed, according to a report commissioned by IBM, the central bank's digital currency (CBDC) may be ready for consumer use in the next five years.

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IBM sees the future of CBDC is broad

The OMFIF-IBM report titled "Retail CBDC: The Next Payment Frontier" highlights the challenges that central banks face due to the emergence of Bitcoin and its underlying technology, the blockchain. These technological developments are driving decision makers to take action. According to the report,

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“Advances in financial technology have prompted central banks to address new private sector challenges and address weaknesses in payment systems.”

But not only are policymakers still annoyed by the challenges of technological advancement. The researchers also pointed out that since the 2008 global financial crisis, consumers no longer trust financial institutions. In fact, the distrust of the central bank in developed economies is increasing.

The report concludes that in response to these challenges, the central bank is seriously considering introducing retail digital currency within five years. The researchers defined the cryptocurrency issued by the central bank as follows:

“CBDC, Central Bank Digital Currency: A digital asset issued by the Central Bank for payment and settlement purposes in retail and wholesale transactions. “Retail” CBDC is like the digital expansion of cash for all people and companies, while “wholesale” CBDC only Can be used by the approved institution as a settlement asset for the interbank market."

Cash use is declining

The OMFIF-IBM report also emphasizes that cash use continues to decline, especially in developing countries. In contrast, the use of private and decentralized cryptocurrencies continues to grow.

OMFIF-IBM's research also found that the cost of handling cash and related logistical difficulties continues to grow.

Therefore, in order to maintain control over public payment instruments, policymakers have shifted their focus to blockchain and other technologies. In this regard, the report concludes that

“73% of central bank survey respondents require retail CBDC to be available in all cases and for all types of payments currently in use.”

IBM and the central bank's independent think tank OMFIF conducted the study in the summer of 2019. The study included contributions from 23 leading central banks.

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