6 Insanely Brutal Benefits of Central Bank Digital Currencies

A central bank digital currency (CBDC) is a digital version of a country’s fiat currency. A CBDC is backed by the central bank of the issuing country and can be used by businesses and individuals to make payments, settle debts, and store value. CBDCs have several potential benefits. For example, they could help reduce costs associated with paper-based monetary systems, increase financial inclusion, and improve the speed and efficiency of payments. In addition, CBDCs could provide a more stable form of money than volatile cryptocurrencies. This article examines the potential benefits of using central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). CBDCs have the potential to offer several advantages of CBDC over existing payment systems, including:

1. Expanding Financial Inclusion

One of the critical benefits of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is that they have the potential to expand financial inclusion by providing access to essential banking services to those who are currently unbanked or underserved by the traditional banking system. For example, a CBDC could be used to provide digital wallets to people in developing countries who may not have access to a traditional bank account. This would allow them to store and use their money more securely and conveniently.

CBDCs could also be used to help businesses in developing countries gain access to capital markets. By digitizing and trading assets on a blockchain platform, businesses would have a more efficient way to raise funds and participate in global markets. This would create new opportunities for businesses to grow and create jobs.

2. Competition to Big Tech Monopoly

Cryptocurrencies have the potential to provide a more level playing field when it comes to big tech monopolies. For example, Facebook has plans to launch its cryptocurrency, Libra. However, there are concerns that Facebook will use its dominant position in the social media space to give Libra an unfair advantage. Similarly, Amazon is also working on a cryptocurrency called Amazon Coin. Again, there are worries that Amazon will be able to use its vast resources and reach to make Amazon Coin the dominant currency.

However, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could help to create more competition in the market and reduce prices. CBDCs are digital versions of traditional fiat currencies, such as the US dollar or the Euro. They can be used to make payments and transfers just like regular fiat currencies. However, CBDCs are issued by central banks, which gives them more stability than private cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin. CBDCs could help to create more competition in the market by giving consumers more choice in how they spend their money. For example, if you’re not happy with the fees that your bank is charging you, you could switch to using a CBDC. This would put pressure on banks to lower their fees in order to compete with CBDCs.

CBDCs could also help to reduce prices by increasing competition between businesses. For example, if two businesses are both accepting payment in CBDCs, they may be more likely to lower their prices in order to attract customers who are looking for a better deal. Overall, CBDCs could help to create more competition in the market and reduce prices. This would benefit consumers by giving them more choice.

3. Access to Legal Tender if Cash were Unavailable

In the event that cash were unavailable, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) would provide access to legal tender. CBDCs are digital versions of fiat currencies, which are backed by a central bank. A digital currency issued by a central bank could provide the public with an alternative means of payment if cash were unavailable. This would be particularly useful in times of crisis, such as during a natural disaster or economic downturn. A central bank digital currency could also be used to settle interbank payments, reducing the risk of disruption to the financial system. Unlike private cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are issued and regulated by a country’s government. CBDCs would be particularly useful in a situation where cash is unavailable. For example, if there was a natural disaster that destroyed paper money, CBDCs could be used as a replacement. 

Similarly, if there was a banking system collapse, CBDCs could be used to keep the economy functioning. While CBDCs offer many benefits, there are also some risks. For example, CBDCs could be subject to hacking or other cyberattacks. Additionally, if a central bank issues too much of a CBDC, it could lead to inflation. Overall, CBDCs could provide significant advantages in terms of access to legal tender if cash were unavailable. However, it is important to consider the risks before fully implementing such a system.

4. Better Efficiency in Payment Systems

A central bank digital currency (CBDC) is a digital version of a country’s fiat currency. A CBDC can be used by the general public for making payments, similar to how they use fiat currency today. The benefits of CBDCs are many and varied. Perhaps the most notable is the potential for increased efficiency in payment systems.

By using a CBDC, businesses and individuals would be able to make near-instantaneous payments 24/7/365. This would greatly reduce the need for expensive and slow settlement infrastructure, such as clearinghouses. Another potential benefit of CBDCs is enhanced privacy and security. With a CBDC, transactions would not need to go through a third-party financial institution. This would reduce the risk of data breaches and other cybersecurity threats. In addition, CBDCs could help to combat money laundering and other financial crimes.

Overall, the benefits of CBDCs are significant. They have the potential to revolutionize the way we make payments and conduct business. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that central banks around the world are exploring the possibility of issuing their own digital currencies.

5. Ease in tracking 

While the use of physical cash has declined in recent years, it is still the most widely used form of payment globally. This is because cash is easy to use and it is easy to track. With central bank digital currencies, ease in tracking would be increased. Currently, when making a payment with cash, the payer and the payee have to physically exchange the money. This can be tricky to keep track of, especially if there are multiple people involved in the transaction. With central bank digital currencies, each payment would be recorded on a ledger that could be accessed by both parties. This would make it much easier to track payments and ensure that everyone gets paid what they are owed.

6. Cross-border payments 

Another advantage of using central bank digital currencies is that they could potentially be used to settle cross-border payments more quickly and efficiently. Currently, cross-border payments can take days or even weeks to settle. This is because they often have to go through multiple intermediaries before reaching their final destination. With central bank digital currencies, these payments could be settled directly between the two parties involved, without the need for intermediaries. This would speed up the process and reduce costs.

Conclusion

Digital currencies have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the financial system. Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could provide a new way for people to store value and make payments. CBDCs could also help to reduce fraudulent activities, such as money laundering and terrorist financing. There are many benefits of CBDCs, but there are also some risks. It is essential to carefully consider these risks before deciding whether or not to use CBDCs.