Volume 22, Issue 3 July 2026

Financial Stability Implications of CBDC

Abstract

A central bank digital currency (CBDC) is a form of digital money that is denominated in the national unit of account, constitutes a direct liability of the central bank, and can be distinguished from other central bank liabilities. We examine the financial stability risks and benefits of issuing a CBDC under different design options. Our analysis is based on lessons derived from historical case studies as well as on an analytical framework that allows us to characterize the mechanisms through which a CBDC can affect financial stability. We further discuss various policy tools that can be employed to mitigate financial stability risks.

Authors

  • Francesca Carapella
  • Jin-Wook Chang
  • Sebastian Infante
  • Melissa Leistra
  • Arazi Lubis
  • Alexandros P. Vardoulakis

JEL codes

  • E40
  • E50
  • G01
  • G21
  • G23
  • G28

Other papers in this issue

Daniel Santabárbara and Marta Suárez-Varela

Davor Kunovac and Diego Rodriguez Palenzuela and Yiqiao Sun

Zuzana Fungáčová and Eeva Kerola and Olli-Matti Laine

Stéphane Adjemian and Nikola Bokan and Matthieu Darracq Pariès and Georg Müller and Srečko Zimic