Digital Currencies

Digital payment systems are bringing millions of unbanked and underbanked online and rapidly revolutionizing global finance. But new technology brings new challenges. From cybersecurity to sanctions evasion to money laundering. Should more governments step in and create their own Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)? What are China’s ambitions for its digital yuan? Can a transatlantic cooperative project can set new standards on digital currencies and ensure stable and transparent cross-border payments?

Central Bank Digital Currency Tracker

Our flagship Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Tracker takes you inside the rapid evolution of money all over the world. The interactive database now features 130 countries representing 98% of global GDP.

Cryptocurrency Regulation Tracker

Cryptocurrencies may significantly alter financial structures as they exist today and transform the next generation of money and payments. Our interactive database analyzes the state of cryptocurrency regulations in 60 of the world’s largest economies.

At the intersection of economics, finance, and foreign policy, the GeoEconomics Center is a translation hub with the goal of helping shape a better global economic future.

Content

New Atlanticist

Feb 19, 2021

How Janet Yellen can help deliver the digital dollar

By Josh Lipsky, JP Schnapper-Casteras

What precisely will the US Treasury Department do about the rise of digital currencies? Secretary Yellen and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell should quickly harness the potential of these evolving financial tools, including a US-backed digital dollar.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Nov 30, 2020

Can China’s digital yuan really challenge the dollar?

By Hung Tran

The DCEP will certainly bolster the Renminbi’s international position, but the weaknesses in China’s financial markets will prevent the Chinese currency from dethroning the US dollar anytime soon.

China Digital Currencies

Digital currencies

Aug 25, 2020

Advanced economies under pressure in the central bank digital currency race

By Barbara C. Matthews, Hung Tran

Advanced economy central banks are also actively engaged in CBDC research and development efforts. But as guardians of global reserve currencies, their approaches will necessarily be more deliberate and cautious than Beijing’s aggressiveness.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Aug 24, 2020

China’s Digital Currency Electronic Payment Project reveals the good and the bad of central bank digital currencies

By Hung Tran, Barbara C. Matthews

The development of the DCEP has revealed the significant advantages and potential drawbacks for both China’s digital currency project and the potential for widespread central bank digital currencies around the world.

China Digital Currencies

Digital currencies

Jul 30, 2020

Nikhil Raghuveera in Cointelegraph: China and US must learn from one another and collaborate on Central Bank Digital Currency

By Atlantic Council

Mr. Nikhil Raghuveera, a GeoTech Center Nonresident Fellows, was recently featured as a guest author in Cointelegraph, a digital publication focused on the future of money. In his article, Mr. Raghuveera discussed Central Bank Digital Currencies in continuation of his previous research for the Atlantic Council.

Digital Currencies Economy & Business

GeoTech Cues

Jun 10, 2020

Central bank digital currency can contribute to financial inclusion but cannot solve its root causes

By Nikhil Raghuveera

In Part II of the Central Bank Digital Currency Series series, the GeoTech Center and guest author Nikhil Raghuveera examine how CBDCs can contribute to financial inclusion in a post-COVID-19 world.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

May 27, 2020

A new era in financial diplomacy: The third evolution of Bretton Woods

By Michael Greenwald

China has made significant waves by introducing its own digital yuan this past month. The United States should turn to its allies for support and cooperation in building an alternative to the Chinese solution for digital currencies.

China Digital Currencies
gtc photo of currencies in jars

Digital currencies

May 26, 2020

Going deeper: Central bank digital currencies and how best to design them to benefit everyone

By Corina DuBois

On May 19, 2020 - Lisa Pollina, Gabriel Abed, George Bachiashvili, Shane Glynn, Aditi Kuma shared perspectives on "The digital dollar: Do we need it and how do we build it?" as part of a live video discussion moderated by Michael Greenwald. The discussion focused what exactly is a digital dollar? How would it work, how could it best be designed, and who would manage it?

Cybersecurity Digital Currencies

Digital currencies

May 13, 2020

Revamped Libra takes further steps to gain credibility

By Michael Greenwald

In hiring Stuart Levey, Facebook has exhibited a doubling down on their desire to create a digital currency that will be recognized and used by governments around the world.

Digital Currencies Financial Regulation
gtc photo of the dollar as a puzzle piece

Digital currencies

Apr 23, 2020

Design choices of Central Bank Digital Currencies will transform digital payments and geopolitics

By Nikhil Raghuveera

In this analysis, the Atlantic Council GeoTech Center examines the geopolitical implications of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and calls for the United States to lead on setting standards for CBDC and financial technology.

Civil Society Digital Currencies

Experts