With the Bank of England (BoE) discussing the creation of a ‘digital pound’, a new survey released by CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, has found limited understanding of and support for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) within the investment industry.
The CFA Institute Global Survey on Central Bank Digital Currencies found that only 46 percent in the UK (and 42 percent globally) believed that central banks should launch CBDCs, with respondents citing several concerns about their application. Among UK respondents who opposed launching a CBDC, the top reason cited was a belief that their introduction does not currently address a compelling need (49 percent) – something that UK policymakers themselves have raised1 – followed by the view that other innovations are already improving payment mechanisms without the need for a CBDC (35 percent) and concern over data privacy risks (33 percent). Just 15 percent of UK respondents said they had a strong understanding of CBDCs.
The survey gathered responses from over 4,000 investment professionals globally to explore the possible implications for capital markets and investment practitioners if central banks develop and launch digital versions of physical currencies.
Though support for the creation of a CBDC in the UK stood at less than half (46 percent), respondents were even more sceptical in other developed markets, such as the U.S. (31 percent) and Canada (38 percent). Those in emerging markets, such as China (70 percent) and India (66 percent), were much more likely to be in favour, possibly a result of the belief that CBDCs would significantly accelerate payments and create a cash-like form of payment.
Comparing these markets underlines the divergence in attitudes across regions – 61 percent of respondents from emerging markets favour a CBDC versus 37 percent of those in developed markets.
Olivier Fines, CFA, Head, EMEA Advocacy, CFA Institute comments:
“Although the likes of Bank of England have requested stakeholders’ views through various consultations and focus groups, much remains unknown about the public’s understanding of, interest in, and demand for CBDCs.
“The results illustrate a general feeling of scepticism which continues to dominate perceptions, and central banks and governments will need to run a significant education program with consumers prior and during the launch of a digital currency. Acceptance by end-users will be critical for any CBDC, but this is far from guaranteed even in those markets which are more receptive to digital money, particularly if it fails to live up to its perceived benefits.”
Scepticism on CBDCs’ ability to improve financial stability and inclusion
Greater financial stability and inclusion are frequently cited as potential benefits of a CBDC; however, the report found a lack of consensus on whether a CBDC would enhance either.
Less than a third (32 percent) of global respondents believe a CBDC would enhance financial stability and a similar proportion (34 percent) felt one would likely improve financial inclusion of under-served economic sectors or populations.
Those in the UK are particularly doubtful that a CBDC would be able to deliver on these two aspects, despite the BoE highlighting these two benefits in their proposal for a digital pound. Fewer than 4 in 10 (38 percent) believe that a CBDC would improve financial stability and even fewer (31 percent) think a CBDC likely would improve financial inclusion.
The survey also revealed that those in emerging markets had a stronger belief in the stability benefits of CBDCs than those in developed markets (50 percent vs. 28 percent) and a more positive view on their impact on financial inclusion (55 percent vs. 28 percent).
Other key findings from the survey include:
- The top reason cited globally in support of launching a CBDC was to accelerate payments and transfers (58 percent).
- 48 percent of global respondents and 55 percent of UK respondents would use a CBDC in some capacity if it was offered.
- Globally, a majority (55 percent) believe that CBDCs can coexist with private cryptocurrencies, with 61 percent of UK respondents believing the same.
- 58 percent of global respondents agree that private money will always be inferior in quality and security to government money.
