Digital Euro in Sight? ECB Launches Blockchain Payment Plan

This new initiative could lead to the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for the eurozone. Announced in a February 20 statement by the ECB, it will roll out in two phases.

First, the bank plans to develop a system that allows settlements in central bank money through a connection with the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET). TARGET ensures smooth transactions of cash, securities, and collateral across the eurozone.

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Additionally, the ECB will explore a long-term solution for settling transactions using blockchain technology. This step would create a more advanced system for processing payments and could lay the groundwork for a future digital euro.

Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said in the statement:

This is an important contribution to enhancing European financial market efficiency through innovation.

The ECB began looking into a digital euro in 2021, focusing on how it could be designed and distributed. In 2023, the bank set clear priorities for the first phase of its digital currency project.

As development continues, the ECB will refine its blockchain-based payment system while working with public and private stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) recently introduced the ASPIRe plan. What does the plan entail? Read the full story.