scholarly journals From cash to central bank digital currencies and cryptocurrencies: a balancing act between modernity and monetary stability

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 911-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ansgar Belke ◽  
Edoardo Beretta
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Payment Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Paper Money ◽  
Payment Instruments ◽  
Tier System

PurposeThe paper explores the precarious balance between modernizing monetary systems by means of digital currencies (either issued by the central bank itself or independently) and safeguarding financial stability as also ensured by tangible payment (and saving) instruments like paper money.Design/methodology/approachWhich aspects of modern payment systems could contribute to improve the way of functioning of today's globalized economy? And, which might even threaten the above-mentioned instable equilibrium? This survey paper aims, precisely, at giving some preliminary answers to a complex – therefore, ongoing – debate at scientific as well as banking and political levels.FindingsThe coexistence of State's money (i.e. “legal tender”) and cryptocurrencies can have a disciplining effect on central banks. Nevertheless, there are still high risks connected to the introduction of central bank digital currency, which should be by far not considered to be a perfect substitute of current cash. At the same time, cryptocurrencies issued by central banks might be exposed to the drawbacks of cryptocurrencies without benefiting from correspondingly strong advantages. A well-governed two-tier system to be achieved through innovation in payment infrastructures might be, in turn, more preferable. Regulated competition by new players combined with “traditional” deposits and central bank elements remains essential, although central banks should embrace the technologies underlying cryptocurrencies, because risk payment service providers could move to other currency areas considered to be more appealing for buyers and sellers.Research limitations/implicationsWe do not see specific limitations besides the fact that the following is for sure a broad field of scientific research to be covered, which is at the same time at the origin of ongoing developments and findings. Originality and implications of the paper are, instead, not only represented by its conclusions (which highlight the role of traditional payment instruments and stress why the concept of “money” still has to have specific features) but also by its approach of recent literature's review combined with equally strong logical-analytical insights.Practical implicationsIn the light of these considerations, even the role of traditional payment systems like paper money is by far not outdated or cannot be – at this point, at least – replaced by central bank digital currencies (whose features based on dematerialization despite being issued and guaranteed by a public authority are very different).Social implicationsNo matter which form it might assume is what differentiates economic from barter transactions. This conclusion is by far not tautological or self-evident since the notion of money has historically been a great object of scientific discussion. In the light of increasingly modern payment instruments, there is no question that money and the effectiveness of related monetary policies have to be also explored from a social perspective according to different monetary scenarios, ranging from central bank digital currencies to private currencies and cash restrictions/abolition.Originality/valueThe originality/value of the following article is represented by the fact that it (1) refers to some of the most relevant and recent contributions to this research field, (2) moves from payment systems in general to their newest trends like cryptocurrencies, cash restrictions (or, even, abolition proposals) and monetary policy while (3) combining all elements to reach a common picture. The paper aims at being a comprehensive contribution dealing with "money" in its broadest but also newest sense.

scholarly journals Central Bank digital currencies

Bankarstvo ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-139
Author(s):  
Vesna Martin
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Digital Form ◽  
Technological Transformation ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Digital Currency ◽  
The Social

Central Bank digital currencies are a digital challenge to the international monetary and financial system. Since the development of cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin, the modern world has faced the possibility of digital technological transformation and providing a digital form of payment for the economy and the household. In addition, the announcement of a digital currency that would have a global reach, such as the Libre issued by the social network Facebook, raised questions about legal and regulatory safeguards, financial stability, and the role of the digital currency in society. All this influenced the leading central banks to recognize the need to conduct a detailed analysis of the possibilities of issuing digital currency of the central bank, which would be a supplement to the cash and non-cash form of payment. These analyzes include considering the advantages and disadvantages of that currency, determining its design and technological solution, as well as the necessary regulatory adjustments. In the coming period, we will witness a technological transformation in the operations of central banks, which, as before, should take care of preserving price and financial stability as its main goals, but also respond to new challenges of digital business.

Digital currencies hold much promise for central banks

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Policy ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emerging Nations ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Digital Money ◽  
The Cost

Subject Central bank digital currencies. Significance Central banks are investigating potential applications of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and this month the Financial Stability Board released its consultative paper on regulating and supervising stablecoins, which are pegged to a traditional asset. Issuance of CBDCs is growing closer. In emerging markets (EMs), they could provide governments with a tool to improve their monetary systems. Impacts Digital currencies can give central banks ‘precision monetary policy’ by bypassing intermediaries and targeting sectors or groups. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the health advantage that digital money has over 'dirty' banknotes. Digital currencies will lower the cost of remittances to emerging nations but over years rather than months as barriers need to be overcome.

scholarly journals A Central Banks Role In Cashless Payments

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 827
Author(s):  
Tobias Duemmler ◽  
Stephan Kienle
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Policy ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Welfare Effects ◽  
Payment Systems ◽  
Systemic Risks ◽  
Implementation Of Monetary Policy

The smooth functioning of payment systems is relevant for both the efficiency of the financial sector as well as the implementation of monetary policy operations. Therefore, payment systems are often provided by central banks. The characteristics of individual payment systems, such as increasing economies of scale, favour the development of a monopolistic situation. Therefore, we consider the role of a central bank acting as a monopolist and discuss possible welfare effects. Against the background of huge systemic risks, a central bank acting as an operator of an individual payment system is supposed to be the optimal solution. We illustrate our findings in the light of the role of the Bundesbank which has traditionally been operating its own payment systems.

scholarly journals Developments in Monetary Policies before and after the Recent Financial Crisis and the Change in the Role of Central Banks

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zekayi Kaya ◽  
Erkan Tokucu
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Price Stability ◽  
Lender Of Last Resort ◽  
Monetary Policies ◽  
Recent Financial Crisis

During the historical process, application of the monetary policies and the roles of the central banks have changed within the framework of the developments in the world economy, problems encountered and the economic policies as a solution to these problems. The financial crises after 1990 and the recent financial crisis as the biggest experienced one after 1930s, caused an increase in the importance of the task of providing financial stability besides price stability and in this context in the function of “lender of last resort” of the central bank. The crisis required using new policy instruments in addition to interest rate instrument which was not sufficient enough in providing financial stability and the roles of the central banks in providing financial stability changed. In this study, applications of monetary policies and the changing role of the central banks will be examined. Within this framework, traditional and non-traditional instruments will be explained and the problems that can be confronted by a central bank when providing price stability besides financial stability will be remarked.

A macro‐prudential perspective of financial regulation

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tristan Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Policy ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Financial Markets ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Housing Prices ◽  
Price Stability ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Animal Spirit

PurposeIn the recent financial crisis, many observers have assigned monetary policy a central role in the crisis. Specifically, they claim that excessively easy monetary policy by the Federal Reserve in the first half of the decade helped to cause a bubble in housing prices in the USA. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of monetary policy within the regulatory frameworks of financial markets.Design/methodology/approachThe authors show within a macroeconomic framework a possible trade‐off between price stability and financial stability by differentiating between a technology‐driven bubble and an animal spirit bubble. In their conclusion: if there is a trade‐off between price stability and financial stability, the central bank will have to make a choice between the two objectives. In that case, the question arises of which of the two objectives should take precedence: price stability or financial stability?FindingsFrom this analysis, the authors conclude that a central bank which uses a lexicographic ordering favoring price stability over other objectives is likely to fuel the boom inadvertently (in the case of a technology‐driven bubble) or will decide to do nothing (in the case of an animal spirit bubble) allowing a process of excessive credit creation. The latter seems to be what happened between 2003 and 2008.Practical implicationsIf one wants to reduce the likelihood of future major financial busts, it must be accepted that the central banks (especially the Fed and the ECB) cannot only be responsible for price stability. Maintaining financial stability by preventing excesses in financial markets should be an equally important objective.Originality/valueThe paper gives a new perspective on the role of monetary policy within the regulatory framework. With this macroeconomic framework, the authors are able to show possible trade‐offs between price stability and financial stability. The micro‐ and macro‐prudential approach of this paper is a useful contribution to the discussion about regulatory reforms of financial markets.

scholarly journals Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Sebagai Alat Pembayaran di Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 2243
Author(s):  
Claudia Saymindo Emanuella
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Cyber Security ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Security Sector ◽  
Digital Currency ◽  
Payment Instruments ◽  
Digital Money ◽  
The Right

AbstractTechnological developments encourage innovation in various sectors, including banking. The widespread use of digital currencies is an impetus for central banks to create an alternative to replace ungoverned digital currencies. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is the alternative chosen by various central banks in the world. Various countries have conducted research related to the implementation in terms of design and risk in the financial, operational, and legal fields. Bank Indonesia plans to develop a CBDC as part of national economy and finance digitalization. Indonesia does not yet have a strong legal framework to underlie the implementation of CBDC, especially in the cyber security sector, The role of the central bank becomes very important in CBDC’s issuance and implementation as the only party that has the right to determine, issue, and regulate legal payment instruments in Indonesia.Keywords: Central Bank Digital Currency; Digital Money; Central Bank; Cybersecurity.AbstrakPerkembangan teknologi mendorong inovasi dalam berbagai sektor, termasuk perbankan. Maraknya penggunaan digital currency menjadi dorongan bagi bank sentral untuk menciptakan mata uang digital yang dapat menggantikan digital currency tanpa pihak berwenang. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) menjadi alternatif yang dipilih oleh berbagai bank sentral di dunia, dan berbagai negara telah melakukan riset terkait penerapan CBDC dari sisi desain dan risiko di bidang finansial, operasional, dan legal. Bank Indonesia berencana untuk mengembangkan CBDC di Indonesia sebagai bagian dari digitalisasi ekonomi dan keuangan nasional. Indonesia belum memiliki kerangka hukum yang kuat untuk mendasari penerapan CBDC, terutama dalam bidang keamanan siber, mengingat banyaknya ancaman keamanan siber canggih yang terus berkembang. Peran bank sentral menjadi sangat penting dalam penerbitan dan penerapannya sebagai satu-satunya pihak yang berhak menentukan, menetapkan, menerbitkan, dan meregulasi alat pembayaran sah di Indonesia.Kata Kunci: Central Bank Digital Currency; Uang Digital; Bank Sentral; Cybersecurity.

scholarly journals MACROFINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF CENTRAL BANKS: THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS AND INSTITUTIONAL DILEMMAS

2017 ◽  
pp. 139-157
Author(s):  
Viktor KOZJUK
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Central Bank ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Institutional Design ◽  
Policy Instruments ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Central Bank Independence ◽  
Macroeconomic Fluctuations ◽  
Price Stability

Introduction. Postcrisis tendency to enhance central bank’s macrofinancial responsibility should be related to real-financial inter-linkages rethinking but not to activistic demand management. Different approaches on how price stability and financial stability are inter-related, as well, as different institutional modalities of how to achieve them are making more complicate optimal institutional design of central bank with increased zone of responsibility. Purpose. Taking into account different macroeconomic viewpoints on the role of financial instability in macroeconomic fluctuations and institutional challenges for central bank independence the purpose of the paper is to validate that enhanced macrofinancial responsibility of central banks should be balanced by additional measures in direction to facilitate autonomous regulatory status. Results. Different views on how to enhance macroeconomic stability and what the role of central banks in new macrofinancial environment provide serious challenge for optimal designing of central bank’s macrofinancial responsibility. The problem not only relate to how price and financial stability are inter-related but also to how define the wrong way policy then price and financial stability are in non-linear relations. The difficulties in this segment may affect far reaching political consequences while assessing central bank from political economy point of view. Also it is necessary to take into account that macroprudential toolkit may overlap with monetary policy instruments providing additional regulatory distortions. Clear institutialisation of relations between price and financial stability responsibilities will help to avoid political economy type of manipulations with central bank new tasks. Priority of price stability should be kept while financial stability mandate should be clarified and tied to macroprudential regulation. In the same time more active central bank’s participance in the post-crisis economy should be based not on standard Keynesian activism but on enhanced financial responsibility balanced with protection of central bank independence in new regulatory areas. Conclusions. It the article it is stressed that enhanced macrofinancial responsibility should be based on unchanged priority of price stability mandate, increased level of central bank independence and coordination between monetary and macroprudential policies. It is shown that vulnerability of macrofinancial responsibilities to political pressure is going to increase. Political independence of central banks should protect them in the area of price stability and financial stability all together.

scholarly journals Political Power in Central Banks Is Essential to Avert Future Economic Crises

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuhang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Political Power ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Capital Flow ◽  
Economic Crises ◽  
European Central

In the era of globalization, Central banks have posed important impacts in the global economy. The central bank plays an important role in managing financial stability and capital flow, and avoiding economic crisis. Every central bank plays an important role in the country or region where it is located. The role of central banks in the global economy is examined below. As a functional department of a country or a region, the central bank inevitably embraces political power. In the process of argument, this paper takes the European central banks as an example to determine that the central bank should exercise its political power when facing the problem of avoiding the possible economic crisis in the future.

scholarly journals Central Bank Independence and Financial Stability: Orthodox and Heterodox Approaches

2017 ◽  
pp. 6-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Koziuk
Keyword(s):  
Central Bank ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Central Banks ◽  
Central Bank Independence ◽  
Price Stability ◽  
Regulatory Regime ◽  
Financial Cycle ◽  
Stability Issues

This study argues that post-crisis discussions on central bank independence are less about a choice of a level of independence but more about a relation between the independence and the central bank mandate in financial stability. An offered hypothesis states that an increasing role of financial factors in the macroeconomic policy agenda has led to emerging of two approaches to the central bank independence. Within the orthodox approach, responsibility for the financial stability is a challenge to the accepted model: one mandate – one goal – one instrument. Interference into the financial cycle impairs transparency and distorts responsibility, while deflation bias risks get in conflict with price stability principles, adherence to which is exactly what central banks are granted independence for. In terms of the heterodox approach, a wider responsibility of central banks for financial stability requires more independence to protect the legitimacy of interference into the financial cycle and implementation of a more prudent regulatory regime. Orthodox view is contradictory in its nature, while the vulnerability of the second approach lies in quality of institutional environment. Price stability mandate is argued to remain the first priority, while the financial stability issues should be institutionalized in a clearer way to secure independence.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and the pursuit of supply chain resilience: reactions and “lessons learned” from logistics service providers (LSPs)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Herold ◽  
Katarzyna Nowicka ◽  
Aneta Pluta-Zaremba ◽  
Sebastian Kummer
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into the reactions and lessons learned with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of how logistics service providers (LSPs) managed to maintain supply chains resilience and what focus areas have been changed to keep operations functional and uphold financial stability. Design/methodology/approach Based on data-gathering techniques in interpretive research this study collected primary data via semi-structured interviews, interviewing informants from selected LSPs that operate on a global scale. Findings The results show that LSPs have built their reactions and actions to the COVID-19 outbreak around five main themes: “create revenue streams,” “enhance operational transport flexibility,” “enforce digitalization and data management,” “optimize logistics infrastructure” and “optimize personnel capacity.” These pillars build the foundation to LSP resilience that enables supply chains to stay resilient during an external shock of high impact and low probability. Originality/value The results of this study provide insights into how LSPs have managed the downsides and found innovative ways to overcome operational and financial challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak. As one of the first studies that specially focuses on the role of LSPs during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study categorizes the LSPs’ reactions and provides a “lessons learned” framework from a managerial perspective. From a theoretical perspective, this paper discusses the strategic role of LSPs in supply chain management and thereby extends current supply chain literature with a focus on LSP resilience.

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