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From Bitcoin to Central Bank Digital Currencies: Making Sense of the Digital Money Revolution

Author

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  • Paulo Rupino Cunha

    (Department of Informatics Engineering, University of Coimbra, CISUC, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Paulo Melo

    (Faculty of Economics and INESC Coimbra, University of Coimbra, CeBER, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Helder Sebastião

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, CeBER, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

We analyze the path from cryptocurrencies to official Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), to shed some light on the ultimate dematerialization of money. To that end, we made an extensive search that resulted in a review of more than 100 academic and grey literature references, including official positions from central banks. We present and discuss the characteristics of the different CBDC variants being considered—namely, wholesale, retail, and, for the latter, the account-based, and token-based—as well as ongoing pilots, scenarios of interoperability, and open issues. Our contribution enables decision-makers and society at large to understand the potential advantages and risks of introducing CBDCs, and how these vary according to many technical and economic design choices. The practical implication is that a debate becomes possible about the trade-offs that the stakeholders are willing to accept.

Suggested Citation

  • Paulo Rupino Cunha & Paulo Melo & Helder Sebastião, 2021. "From Bitcoin to Central Bank Digital Currencies: Making Sense of the Digital Money Revolution," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jftint:v:13:y:2021:i:7:p:165-:d:583321
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ayadi, Ahmed & Ghabri, Yosra & Guesmi, Khaled, 2023. "Directional predictability from central bank digital currency to cryptocurrencies and stablecoins," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    2. Ozili, Peterson K, 2023. "eNaira central bank digital currency (CBDC) for financial inclusion in Nigeria," MPRA Paper 115781, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Wang, Yi-Ran & Ma, Chao-Qun & Ren, Yi-Shuai, 2022. "A model for CBDC audits based on blockchain technology: Learning from the DCEP," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    4. Dunbar, Kwamie, 2023. "CBDC uncertainty: Financial market implications," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    5. Volodymyr Mishchenko & Svitlana Naumenkova, 2021. "The Impact Of Digital Currency On The Transformation Of Monetary Policy," Three Seas Economic Journal, Publishing house "Baltija Publishing", vol. 2(4).
    6. Prodan Silvana & Dabija Dan-Cristian & Marincean Leonardo, 2023. "Exploring Consumer Sentiment on Central Bank Digital Currencies: A Twitter Analysis from 2021 to 2023," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 17(1), pages 1085-1102, July.
    7. Wang, Yizhi & Lucey, Brian M. & Vigne, Samuel A. & Yarovaya, Larisa, 2022. "The Effects of Central Bank Digital Currencies News on Financial Markets," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    8. Helmi, Mohamad Husam & Çatık, Abdurrahman Nazif & Akdeniz, Coşkun, 2023. "The impact of central bank digital currency news on the stock and cryptocurrency markets: Evidence from the TVP-VAR model," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    9. Pangyue Cheng, 2023. "Decoding the rise of Central Bank Digital Currency in China: designs, problems, and prospects," Journal of Banking Regulation, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 24(2), pages 156-170, June.
    10. Bhaskar, Ratikant & Hunjra, Ahmed Imran & Bansal, Shashank & Pandey, Dharen Kumar, 2022. "Central Bank Digital Currencies: Agendas for future research," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    11. Mzoughi, Hela & Benkraiem, Ramzi & Guesmi, Khaled, 2022. "The bitcoin market reaction to the launch of central bank digital currencies," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).

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