09Dec
2021

Will central banks succeed in the digital currencies market?

Published in 
Thursday, 9 December, 2021 - 15:00 to 16:15
Zoom

Most central banks in advanced economies consider issuing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), not only to address the declining use of cash, but also to position themselves against increased competition from Big Tech companies, cryptocurrencies, and stablecoins.

Digital currencies are a concern for regulators alike, which has resulted in the Markets in Crypto-assets Regulation (MiCAR) proposal of the European Commission to regulate cryptocurrencies and ensure investor protection.

This webinar will present the best paper of the CEPS/ECRI/ECMI call for papers on “The future of digital payments in the EU”. This is followed by a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities of digital money.

  • How can a digital euro be designed and constructed? What technology and infrastructure would be most beneficial?
  • How can digital currencies achieve to find the right balance between safeguarding individuals’ privacy and tackling illicit finance?
  • What would an effective policy response be to increase Europe’s competitiveness globally, and increase the international role of euro within a multipolar and digital international currency order?
  • Do digital currencies impact financial inclusion? What is the role of regulators in this?
  • How may cryptocurrencies impact the financial services landscape?

AGENDA

Best paper presentation - CBDC: Can central banks succeed in the marketplace for digital monies?

  • Peter Bofinger and Thomas Haas, University of Würzburg

Panel Discussion

  • Joachim Schwerin, Principal Economist, DG GROW, European Commission
  • Anca Bogdana Rusu, Head of Strategy, Celo
  • Maria Teresa Chimienti, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, World Bank
  • Paul Worthington, Public Policy Manager for Europe, Novi

Moderated by Apostolos Thomadakis, Researcher at ECMI and CEPS