Fintech Notes

Cyber Resilience of the Central Bank Digital Currency Ecosystem

Author/Editor:

Arvinder Bharath ; Anca Paduraru ; Tamas Gaidosch

Publication Date:

August 27, 2024

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

Over 100 central banks around the globe are exploring central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to modernize payment systems. They aim to explore potential benefits, risks, and the broad range of new capabilities CBDCs might offer. Some view CBDC exploration as an opportunity to rethink their existing, legacy payment systems and build a resilient and secure infrastructure using modern technologies. However, a CBDC creates a vast and complex ecosystem that amplifies existing risk exposures and surfaces new ones. Given the implications of issuing a CBDC, it should be seen as a fundamental change in the way the central bank operates. This note considers experiences from live CBDCs and is informed by experiments conducted by central banks and international institutions for domestic use. It also draws from cybersecurity and resilience frameworks from standard-setting bodies.

Series:

Fintech Notes No 2024/003

Subject:

Central Bank digital currencies Cyber risk Infrastructure National accounts Smart contracts Technology

Frequency:

occasional