Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is an electronic form of currency and developed by the government to supplement traditional fiat money such as backnotes and coins.
With the accelerating digital economy around the world, digital currency allows government and financial institutions to continue the transition to digital infrastructure and increase access to financial services. Namely CBDCs provide businesses and consumers with privacy, transferability, convenience, accessibility, and financial security.
E-CNY
In 2020 China launched the digital yuan pilot program within four cities. Today, the program has been extended to more than 20 cities and national areas including Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen. E-CNY is a digital legal tender issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and equivalent to physical renminbi (RMB).
Storing and using E-CNY
E-CNY is stored on a digital wallet which is available on iOS and Android Chinaapp stores. Users located in the piloted areas can download the APP and pay for goods and services with E-CNY, similar to physical money.
Data Privacy
Personal information of users will be encrypted during small transactions such as ecommerce purchasers. In this manner, e-commerce platforms can obtain and mishandle personal information related to the users.
Anti -money laundering
Establishing a cashless society through E-CNY can reduce illegal activities such as anonymous counterfeiting, money laundering and terrorist financing. Through big data, Chinese authorities can directly analyze and track transactions to identify suspicious accounts.
Offline payment
E-CNY supports offline payment through near-field communication technology. Therefore, e-CNY unlike online payments such as Alipay and WeChat works in many underdeveloped and remote areas with limited wireless access.
Operators
The following commercial banks are able to provide e-CNY:
- ICBC
- Agricultural Bank of China
- Bank of China
- China Construction Bank
- Bank of Communications
- Postal Savings Bank of China
- China Merchant’s Bank
E-CNY Expansion in China
Both Tecent and Alibaba have announced the integration of E-CNY on their platform, respectively WeChat pay and Alipay. As an additional payment option for pilot areas, WeChat pay and Alipay users can utilise it as an alternative to pay for goods and expand E-CNY usage in the mainstream market.
According to People’s Bank of China, there were 261 million users in the extended trial period who had transacted for USD 13.8 billion at the end of 2021.
It offers a safer and accessible digital payment option and further a cashless society. Equally, digital currencies can reduce money laundering, corruption and terrorist financing and improve the efficiency of financial transactions.
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