AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND CENTRAL BANKS DONT PLAN TO ISSUE OWN CRYPTOS

The world of digital currency is constantly evolving, and with it, the role of central banks is being questioned and redefined.Recently, there's been heightened discussion around Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). O Bitcoin fascinante, mas ineficiente, afirmou o banco central da Austr lia, o pa s e a Nova Zel ndia adotam uma abordagem hands-off para emiss o de seus pr prios tokens. Bancos Centrais da Austr lia e Nova Zel ndia n o planejam emitir suas pr prias criptoMany nations are exploring the potential of issuing their own digital currencies, but Australia and New Zealand have taken a different stance. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has begun to review its capital requirements amid claims from lenders that the current regulatory treatment might be stifling their competitiveness. Appearing in front of a parliamentary committee today (March 31), senior officials from the central bank said it planned to reassess key capital settings.In a statement released in June, both countries' central banks explicitly stated that they have no immediate plans to launch their own cryptocurrencies. The Southern Hemisphere presents a microcosm of the debate over how hard central banks should stomp on inflation, with policymakers in Australia and New Zealand taking polar opposite approaches onThey described Bitcoin as ""fascinating but inefficient,"" suggesting a cautious approach towards the digital asset revolution.This decision raises several crucial questions: Why are these countries hesitant? Get the latest breaking news, analysis and opinion from NZ and around the world, including politics, business, sport, entertainment, travel and more.What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of CBDCs?And how will this decision impact the existing cryptocurrency market and the broader economic landscape of Australia and New Zealand?Let's delve into the details and explore the rationale behind this significant decision, and its potential impact on businesses, consumers, and the future of finance.

Exploring the Stance: Why No CBDCs for Australia and New Zealand?

The decision by the central banks of Australia and New Zealand to refrain from issuing their own cryptocurrencies wasn’t made in a vacuum.It's rooted in a complex evaluation of various factors, including efficiency concerns, existing financial infrastructure, and the perceived risks associated with digital currencies.

Bitcoin: ""Fascinating but Inefficient""

The phrase ""fascinating but inefficient,"" used by the central banks, highlights a critical aspect of their assessment.While they acknowledge the innovative nature of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, they also recognize the limitations regarding scalability and energy consumption. Notwithstanding the regulatory issues regarding cryptos, banks could gain other benefits by tracking currency flows and usage. Certainly, it could help the central banks objectives of monitoring and influencing economic growth. How will this affect the current crop of several thousand cryptocurrencies? Only time will tell.Bitcoin's underlying technology, blockchain, requires significant computational power to validate transactions, leading to higher energy usage and slower processing times compared to traditional payment systems.

For example, consider the sheer volume of transactions processed daily by traditional banking networks. Prior to the central bank s intervention, currency was a free-for-all with each bank issuing its own notes, resulting in a multitude of currencies circulating throughout New Zealand. Since 2025, the Reserve Bank has been the official supplier of the New Zealand Dollar.If all of these were to be processed using Bitcoin's blockchain, the system could become severely congested, leading to delays and higher transaction fees. 澳大利亚和新西兰的中央银行在6月26日的发言中把比特币 称为 迷人 但 效率低下 ，否认他们将发布自己的加密货币。This inefficiency makes it less appealing for widespread adoption as a national currency.

Evaluating Existing Financial Infrastructure

Both Australia and New Zealand have relatively well-developed and efficient payment systems. Since the Cook Islands is an associated state that is part of the Realm of New Zealand, Patman said that the law would have implications for New Zealand's governance arrangements. A spokesperson for New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters confirmed that New Zealand officials were discussing the legislation with their Cook IslandsThis is another reason they're less eager to dive into CBDCs. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Tether, there are thousands of different cryptocurrencies available. Let Forbes Advisor walk you through the best crypto to buy now.The existing infrastructure provides a solid foundation for financial transactions, reducing the perceived need for a radical overhaul through the introduction of a CBDC.

Australia's New Payments Platform (NPP), for example, facilitates real-time payments between individuals and businesses. We are particularly looking at the aspect of whether or not a central bank digital currency for B2B use might be valuable. Australia s budget earmarked over half a million dollars for blockchain, Cointelegraph reporting earlier this month that cryptocurrency users meanwhile continue to feel the pinch from authorities crackingNew Zealand also has similar systems in place, making it easier and faster to transfer money.In comparison to nations with less robust financial systems, the perceived benefits of introducing a CBDC might not outweigh the costs and risks for Australia and New Zealand.

The Global CBDC Landscape: A Contrasting View

While Australia and New Zealand are adopting a cautious approach, many other countries are actively exploring or even piloting their own CBDCs. New Zealand s election on October 14 produced a victory for the National party, which has pledged to abolish the central bank s employment mandate. Provisional results make it all but certain the Nationals will form the next government, defeating the incumbent Labour party, which has been in power since October 2025.Understanding these initiatives provides valuable context and helps to appreciate the different perspectives on digital currency.

Countries Leading the CBDC Charge

Several countries are at the forefront of CBDC development. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Tether: there are thousands of different cryptocurrencies available. Let Forbes Advisor Australia walk you through the top 10 by market capitalisation.China, for instance, has been conducting extensive trials of its digital yuan (e-CNY), aiming to improve payment efficiency and financial inclusion.The European Central Bank (ECB) is also exploring the possibility of a digital euro, with a focus on enhancing financial stability and providing citizens with a risk-free digital form of central bank money.

• China: Digital Yuan (e-CNY) - Focusing on improved payment efficiency and financial inclusion.
• European Union: Digital Euro - Aiming to enhance financial stability and provide a risk-free digital currency.
• Canada: Exploring a digital Canadian dollar to maintain monetary sovereignty in a digital world.

Potential Benefits of CBDCs

Countries exploring CBDCs often cite several potential benefits:

• Improved Payment Efficiency: CBDCs can facilitate faster and cheaper transactions, particularly for cross-border payments.
• Financial Inclusion: CBDCs can provide access to financial services for individuals who are currently unbanked or underbanked.
• Reduced Risk of Illicit Activities: CBDCs can potentially reduce the use of cash, making it harder to conduct illegal transactions.
• Enhanced Monetary Policy Implementation: CBDCs could enable central banks to implement monetary policy more effectively.

The Impact on Existing Cryptocurrencies

The stance of Australia and New Zealand on CBDCs, along with the global exploration of digital currencies, inevitably impacts the existing cryptocurrency market. 5. BankProv. Although I said earlier that as a rule of thumb older banks are less likely to be crypto-friendly, there are still exceptions. BankProv, previously known as The Provident Bank, is over 200 years old, which makes it one of the oldest in the US.The interplay between government-backed digital currencies and decentralized cryptocurrencies is a topic of ongoing debate and speculation.

Regulatory Uncertainty and Market Volatility

Regulatory uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrencies continues to be a significant factor affecting market volatility. A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is the digital form of a country s fiat currency that is also a claim on the central bank. Instead of printing money, the central bank issues electronic coins or accounts backed by the full faith and credit of the government.Governments around the world are grappling with how to regulate these assets, and the lack of clear guidelines can lead to price swings and investor hesitation.

While Australia and New Zealand aren’t planning their own crypto, they are still grappling with regulating existing crypto assets. The central banks of Australia and New Zealand denied they would issue their own cryptocurrencies June 26, in a speech calling Bitcoin fascinating but inefficient. Addressing theUser sentiment toward cryptocurrency is constantly being tested and the price of Bitcoin, Ethereum and other digital assets can be affected greatly by the slightest market news or a celebrity tweet.

CBDCs as Potential Competitors or Complements

Whether CBDCs will compete with or complement existing cryptocurrencies is still an open question.Some argue that CBDCs could legitimize the digital currency concept and pave the way for wider adoption of cryptocurrencies.Others fear that CBDCs could crowd out private cryptocurrencies by offering a more stable and regulated alternative.

If governments do nothing to regulate the cryptos market, and they instruct or allow central banks to issue their own CBDCs, the resulting impact on cryptos could be catastrophic for some parties, and could have an impact on the economy as a whole.

Central Bank Monitoring and Economic Growth

Regardless of whether they issue their own cryptocurrencies, central banks have a vested interest in monitoring currency flows and usage. UBank, a digital bank owned by National Australia Bank (NAB), has emerged as a potentially crypto-friendly option for Australian users. The bank doesn't have an official policy against cryptocurrency transactions. However there are a few caveats when you first start off.This information can help them better understand economic activity and implement monetary policy more effectively.

By tracking currency flows, central banks can gain insights into consumer spending patterns, investment trends, and overall economic health.This data can inform decisions about interest rates, inflation targets, and other policy measures designed to promote economic growth and stability.

Practical Implications for Businesses and Consumers

The decision by Australia and New Zealand to hold off on CBDCs has several practical implications for businesses and consumers. 687 subscribers in the Cryptalk community. Whatever you wish to say, be it news, a whitepaper, memes, or general conversation about cryptocurrencyUnderstanding these implications can help stakeholders make informed decisions and adapt to the evolving financial landscape.

Continued Reliance on Traditional Payment Systems

For the foreseeable future, businesses and consumers in Australia and New Zealand will continue to rely on traditional payment systems, such as credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers.These systems are well-established and widely accepted, providing a convenient and reliable means of conducting transactions.

For businesses, this means continuing to invest in and maintain their existing payment infrastructure. After receiving 50 submissions as part of a consultation process, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has said it won't propose a regulatory approach towards stablecoins and crypto-assets.For consumers, it means continuing to manage their finances through traditional banking channels.

Opportunities for Innovation in Fintech

While the central banks may not be issuing their own cryptocurrencies, this doesn't mean that innovation in the fintech sector is stifled. Rian Kaslan, Senior Executive Vice President in Digital Business at Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) shares those frustrations. Gone are the days where businesses want to call someone. If they don t get instant updates and notifications, it s already considered a lack of service. Solving this issue is certainly achievable.On the contrary, the absence of CBDCs could create opportunities for private companies to develop innovative payment solutions and digital financial services.

For example, fintech companies could focus on developing more efficient and user-friendly payment apps, or on creating new ways to access financial services for underserved populations. New Zealand's central bank has issued a statement seeking to educate citizens of the fundamentals underpinning cryptocurrencies, as well as the implications of such on monetary policy.The lack of direct competition from a CBDC could provide these companies with a competitive advantage.

Monitoring Stablecoins and Crypto-Assets

Even without issuing their own cryptocurrencies, the central banks of Australia and New Zealand are closely monitoring stablecoins and other crypto-assets.This monitoring is essential to assess the potential risks and opportunities associated with these digital currencies.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has stated that it won't propose a regulatory approach towards stablecoins and crypto-assets.However, this doesn't mean the central bank will ignore these digital currencies entirely. Some other forms of digital money, like cryptoassets, are not denominated in New Zealand dollars. If a lot of people use them, it can pose a risk to our economy, the New Zealand dollar, and our monetary sovereignty. Monetary sovereignty is important because it means that New Zealand can: independently manage its money; set interest ratesThey will continue to monitor their use and impact on the financial system.

Addressing Common Questions about CBDCs

The topic of CBDCs often raises many questions.Here are some of the most common ones, answered to provide clarity and understanding.

What exactly is a CBDC?

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a digital form of a country's fiat currency that is also a claim on the central bank.Instead of printing money, the central bank issues electronic coins or accounts backed by the full faith and credit of the government.

Think of it as a digital version of physical cash, but issued and controlled by the central bank.It's designed to be a stable and secure form of digital money that can be used for a wide range of transactions.

How is a CBDC different from existing cryptocurrencies?

CBDCs differ from existing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in several key ways. Simply sign up to the Central banks myFT Digest - delivered directly to your inbox. Central bankers are not usually known for their contrition, but sharp interest rate rises this year have forcedFirstly, CBDCs are issued and controlled by a central authority (the central bank), while cryptocurrencies are typically decentralized and operate on blockchain technology.

Secondly, CBDCs are typically pegged to the value of the national currency, while the value of cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile. central banks have been researching this topic for some time, recent media articles about certain central banks potentially issuing their own CBDC have brought this topic to the forefront of the related policy debate. Here are essential aspects of CBDCs that you need to know! The Rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)Finally, CBDCs are generally subject to government regulation, while cryptocurrencies often operate outside of traditional regulatory frameworks.

What are the potential risks of CBDCs?

While CBDCs offer several potential benefits, they also pose certain risks:

• Cybersecurity Risks: CBDCs are vulnerable to cyberattacks and hacking, which could lead to loss of funds or disruption of the payment system.
• Privacy Concerns: CBDCs could give central banks and governments greater insight into individuals' spending habits, raising concerns about privacy.
• Disintermediation of Banks: CBDCs could reduce the role of commercial banks in the financial system, potentially leading to instability.
• Implementation Challenges: Designing and implementing a CBDC is a complex undertaking that requires significant technical expertise and careful planning.

What does the future hold for digital currencies in Australia and New Zealand?

While Australia and New Zealand are not currently planning to issue their own cryptocurrencies, the future of digital currencies in these countries remains uncertain.The central banks will likely continue to monitor developments in the global digital currency landscape and reassess their position as new technologies emerge and regulatory frameworks evolve.

Moreover, private sector innovation in fintech could drive the adoption of new digital payment solutions. In July 2025, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) announced that it will look at the potential for a New Zealand Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The RBNZ is not alone in its exploration for a replacement of physical cash with China, France, and Canada amongst some of the countries already in a pilot stage of a CBDC.The evolution of the digital financial landscape depends on technology, regulation and consumer preferences.

Conclusion: A Measured Approach to Digital Finance

The decision by the central banks of Australia and New Zealand not to issue their own cryptocurrencies reflects a measured approach to digital finance. If governments do nothing to regulate the cryptos market, and they instruct or allow central banks to issue their own CBDCs, the resulting impact on cryptos could be catastrophic for some parties, and could have an impact on the economy as a whole.While acknowledging the potential benefits of digital currencies, they also recognize the challenges and risks involved. There has been renewed conversation and debate recently about Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Whilst central banks have been researching this topic for some time, recent media articles about certain central banks potentially issuing their own CBDC have brought this topic to the forefront of the related policy debate. Here areTheir stance emphasizes a cautious evaluation of existing financial infrastructure, regulatory considerations, and the potential impact on the broader economy.

While they watch the evolving world of stablecoins and crypto assets, both countries have strong traditional payment systems, and will likely continue to rely on these for the time being. WELLINGTON, Nov 5 (Reuters) - New Zealand's central bank painted a bleak economic picture on Tuesday, citing rising unemployment and delayed business investment plans due to financial hardships.This doesn't mean they're ignoring innovation; instead, they're allowing the private sector to explore new fintech solutions.Whether this stance will change in the future remains to be seen, but it's clear that Australia and New Zealand will continue to monitor developments in the global digital currency landscape closely. eager for New Zealand and Australia to set up their own, modelled after the Bank of England. Although interested, the New Zealand government was initially reluctant to do so. But that changed during the 2025s; and in 2025, visiting British expert Otto Niemeyer recommended a New Zealand central bank. The government of the day was still reluctantKey takeaways:

• Australia and New Zealand currently have no plans to launch their own cryptocurrencies (CBDCs).
• Efficiency and established payment systems are key reasons for their hesitancy.
• Regulatory uncertainty and market volatility remain concerns.
• Private sector innovation in fintech is encouraged.
• The situation is dynamic and subject to change as the digital financial landscape evolves.

Whether you're a business owner, investor, or consumer, staying informed is crucial. Bitcoin is fascinating but inefficient, Australia s central bank has claimed as both it and neighboring New Zealand take a hands-off approach to their own tokens. The central banks of Australia and New Zealand denied they would issue their own cryptocurrencies June 26, in a speech calling Bitcoin fascinating butKeep an eye on central bank announcements, regulatory developments, and fintech innovations to navigate the evolving world of digital finance.By doing so, you'll be better prepared to make informed decisions and capitalize on new opportunities as they arise.What are your thoughts on Australia and New Zealand's decision? See full list on rbnz.govt.nzShare your opinion in the comments below!