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Central Bank Digital Currencies, an Old Tale With a New Chapter

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  • Michael D. Bordo
  • William Roberds

Abstract

We consider the debut of a new monetary instrument, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Drawing on examples from monetary history, we argue that a successful monetary transformation must combine microeconomic efficiency with macroeconomic credibility. A paradoxical feature of these transformations is that success in the micro dimension can encourage macro failure. Overcoming this paradox may require politically uncomfortable compromises. We propose that such compromises will be necessary for the success of CBDCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael D. Bordo & William Roberds, 2022. "Central Bank Digital Currencies, an Old Tale With a New Chapter," NBER Working Papers 30709, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:30709
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E42 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Monetary Sytsems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • N10 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - General, International, or Comparative

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