Which countries have launched official central bank digital currencies ?
There were several countries that have launched official Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and several others that were in the process of developing them. Here are some examples of countries that have launched official CBDCs:
- China: The People’s Bank of China has launched a pilot program for its digital currency, known as the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP) system, in several cities.
- The Bahamas: The Central Bank of The Bahamas launched the Sand Dollar, a digital version of the Bahamian dollar, in October 2020.
- Eastern Caribbean Currency Union: The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank launched its digital currency, known as DCash, in March 2021.
- Ukraine: The National Bank of Ukraine has launched a pilot program for its digital currency, known as the e-hryvnia.
- Sweden: The Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank, has been conducting trials of its digital currency, the e-krona, since 2020.
Other countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union, have been exploring the possibility of launching CBDCs, and some have initiated research and development programs. It’s important to note that the status of CBDC initiatives may have changed since my knowledge cutoff date, and there may be additional countries that have launched or are developing CBDCs.