Central bank digital currency (CBDC) is a digital token created by a country's central bank, pegged to the value of a national fiat currency (such as the US dollar, euro, or yen).
Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are issued and controlled by central banks to ensure their stability and reflect the value of traditional currencies.
CBDC provides a digital alternative to physical currency, functioning similarly to a prepaid card or digital wallet balance, but without third-party intermediaries like commercial banks. Although many countries are still in the early stages of CBDC model development, there are still some important considerations, such as accessibility, privacy, yield potential, and the potential to fully replace cash.
As society moves towards digital payments, the demand for alternative financial services is growing, especially among unbanked populations. CBDC aims to provide a channel for direct access to central bank funds.