BANKS SHOULD BE READY WITH CBDCS IF LIBRA IS BLOCKED: BOC EXEC

Last updated: June 20, 2025, 20:42 | Written by: Marc Andreessen

Imagine a world where digital currencies are the norm, seamlessly facilitating transactions across borders and offering financial inclusion to the unbanked. Ese es el meollo de la pregunta: si la respuesta es Libra o si es algo que hagan los bancos centrales, dijo Lane. Si decimos, bueno, deber a ser (una CBDC y) no Libra, entonces tenemos que tener algo listo para que, si se toma una decisi n, la moneda digital del banco central es el camino a seguir, realmente estemos listos para lanzarlo .This vision, once relegated to the realm of science fiction, is rapidly approaching reality, fueled by the rise of cryptocurrencies and the increasing exploration of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).However, the path to this digital future isn't without its potential roadblocks. Skip to main content Bitcoin Insider. MenuAs Facebook's (now Meta's) Libra (now Diem) project emerged, it sparked both excitement and concern among global regulators. Central banks should be ready with CBDCs, says Bank of Canada exec 风险提示：央行等十部委发布《关于进一步防范和处置虚拟货币交易炒作风险的通知》,请读者提高风险意识，理性看待区块链。The potential disruption posed by a private digital currency backed by a tech giant prompted discussions about the need for central banks to proactively develop their own digital alternatives. Central banks should be ready with CBDCs, says Bank of Canada exec . PANews ｜ . Libra picks former HSBC brass as CFO. PANews. .This is precisely the sentiment echoed by Timothy Lane, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada (BoC), who has urged central banks worldwide to accelerate their CBDC development in case regulators ultimately block Libra.This article delves into the reasoning behind Lane's advice, explores the progress of CBDC initiatives globally, and examines the potential benefits and challenges of a world where central banks are ready with digital currency alternatives.

The Libra Dilemma: A Catalyst for CBDC Development

Facebook's Libra, later rebranded as Diem, aimed to create a global stablecoin pegged to a basket of fiat currencies.The ambition was to provide a low-cost, accessible payment system for billions of users worldwide.However, the project faced significant regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about:

Money laundering and terrorism financing: Regulators feared that a global digital currency could be used to facilitate illicit activities.
Financial stability: The potential impact of Libra on national currencies and financial systems raised concerns about systemic risk.
Data privacy: Facebook's track record on data privacy fueled concerns about the handling of user data within the Libra network.
Sovereignty: Some regulators worried about the potential erosion of monetary sovereignty if a private entity controlled a significant portion of the global money supply.

These concerns led to delays and modifications to the Libra project.While Diem eventually launched a pilot program, its future remains uncertain.This uncertainty underscores the need for a contingency plan.As Timothy Lane articulated, if regulators decide to block Libra (or Diem) due to these unresolved concerns, central banks must have a viable alternative ready to deploy. Dar ber hinaus hatte die Bank of Canada eine Studie ver ffentlicht, in der sie CBDCs als riskant bewertet angesichts des Wettbewerbs zwischen Kryptob rsen und Banken. Der Finanzstabilit tsrat (FSB), die Finanzbeh rde der G20-Staaten, hat derweil Empfehlungen zur rechtlichen Behandlung von Stablecoins wie Libra abgegeben.This alternative should take the form of a well-developed CBDC.

BoC's Proactive Approach to CBDC Research

The Bank of Canada has been actively researching and experimenting with CBDCs for several years. Secondo un report del 15 ottobre di The Canadian Press, Timothy Lane, vice governatore della Bank of Canada (BoC), ha dichiarato che le banche centrali dovrebbero predisporre la propria valuta digitale nel caso in cui le autorit di regolamentazione bloccassero il token Libra di Facebook.Timothy Lane has repeatedly emphasized the importance of being prepared for a future where digital currencies play a more prominent role.He noted that the BoC's research is progressing ""at a good pace."" This proactive approach includes:

Exploring different CBDC designs: The BoC is investigating various technological architectures and governance models for a potential Canadian CBDC.
Analyzing the economic impact: Researchers are studying the potential effects of a CBDC on inflation, interest rates, and financial stability.
Conducting pilot projects: The BoC has conducted pilot projects to test the feasibility and usability of different CBDC concepts.
Collaboration with other central banks: The BoC is actively collaborating with other central banks to share knowledge and coordinate efforts on CBDC development.

Why is BoC taking CBDCs so seriously?

There are several compelling reasons why the Bank of Canada is prioritizing CBDC research:

Maintaining monetary sovereignty: A CBDC would allow the BoC to maintain control over the Canadian dollar in a digital age.
Promoting financial innovation: A CBDC could foster innovation in the payments ecosystem and lead to new financial products and services.
Enhancing financial inclusion: A CBDC could provide access to financial services for underserved populations, such as those in remote communities or those without bank accounts.
Improving payment efficiency: A CBDC could streamline payment processes and reduce transaction costs.
Countering the rise of cryptocurrencies: A CBDC could provide a safer and more stable alternative to privately issued cryptocurrencies.

Global CBDC Landscape: Progress and Challenges

While the Bank of Canada is actively exploring CBDCs, it's not alone.Central banks around the world are at various stages of CBDC development.Some countries, like the Bahamas with its ""Sand Dollar"" and Nigeria with its ""eNaira,"" have already launched CBDCs. Central banks should be ready with CBDCs, says Bank of Canada exec PANews ｜ Timothy Lane says the central bank is developing a CBDC at a good pace.Others, like China with its digital yuan (e-CNY), are conducting extensive pilot programs. Banks should be ready with CBDCs if Libra is blocked: BoC exec. Octo Timothy Lane says the central bank is developing a CBDC at a good pace.However, a significant portion of central banks have delayed their plans, citing regulatory challenges and shifting economic priorities.This highlights the complexities involved in developing and implementing CBDCs.

Several factors contribute to these challenges:

Technological complexity: Building a secure and scalable CBDC infrastructure requires significant technological expertise.
Regulatory uncertainty: The legal and regulatory frameworks for CBDCs are still evolving in many jurisdictions.
Privacy concerns: Balancing the need for transparency and accountability with the protection of user privacy is a key challenge.
Cybersecurity risks: CBDCs are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could compromise the integrity of the system.
Public acceptance: Gaining public trust and adoption is crucial for the success of a CBDC.

The Benefits of Central Banks Being CBDC-Ready

Timothy Lane's call for central banks to be ""CBDC-ready"" underscores the strategic importance of having a digital currency alternative available.The benefits of this preparedness extend beyond simply filling the void if Libra is blocked.A readily available CBDC can offer numerous advantages:

Faster Response to Market Disruptions: Being prepared allows central banks to react quickly to unforeseen disruptions in the financial landscape, such as the sudden rise of a competing digital currency or a major cybersecurity threat.
Enhanced Control Over Monetary Policy: CBDCs provide central banks with greater control over monetary policy implementation. 'Bancos centrais devem estar prontos para as CBDCs', diz executivo do Banco do Canad Not cias De acordo com uma mat ria de 15 de outubro da The Canadian Press, Banco do Canad ou BoC, o vice-governador Timothy Lane disse que os bancos centrais deveriam ter sua pr pria moeda digital pronta caso os reguladores realmente consigam bloquear oThey can directly distribute stimulus payments or implement negative interest rates more effectively.
Improved Financial Stability: A well-designed CBDC can enhance financial stability by reducing reliance on commercial banks and mitigating the risk of bank runs.
Greater Transparency and Traceability: CBDCs can offer greater transparency in payment flows, making it easier to detect and prevent illicit activities.
Increased Competition in the Payments Industry: A CBDC can foster competition among payment providers, leading to lower fees and better services for consumers.

Potential Risks and Mitigation Strategies

While CBDCs offer numerous potential benefits, they also pose certain risks that need to be carefully considered and mitigated:

Disintermediation of Banks: A widely adopted CBDC could reduce the role of commercial banks in deposit-taking and lending, potentially disrupting the financial system.This can be mitigated by capping the amount of CBDC individuals can hold or by designing the CBDC to work in conjunction with existing banking infrastructure.
Privacy Concerns: The centralized nature of CBDCs raises concerns about government surveillance and the potential misuse of user data. A Bank of Canada executive urges all central banks to develop their central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) if Libra gets blocked by regulators Timothy Lane, deputy governor of the Bank of Canada (BoC), is advising central banks worldwide to have their CBDCs in place should regulators block Libra coin. Facebook and its partners have been MoreUsing cryptographic tools that restrict the use of CBDCs by unverified persons, while still allowing for privacy in low-value transactions, is one approach.
Cybersecurity Risks: CBDCs are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could compromise the integrity of the system and lead to financial losses.Robust security measures, including encryption and multi-factor authentication, are essential.
Operational Risks: Ensuring the smooth operation of a CBDC system requires reliable technology and skilled personnel. A significant portion of central banks worldwide have delayed their plans for launching central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), citing regulatory challenges and shifting economic priorities.Central banks need to invest in the necessary infrastructure and expertise.
Risk of Fraud and Counterfeiting: Although digital currencies are generally more difficult to counterfeit than physical cash, sophisticated fraud schemes can still pose a threat.Strong authentication and anti-fraud mechanisms are crucial.

The Role of Regulation in CBDC Adoption

Regulation plays a critical role in shaping the future of CBDCs. Timothy Lane says the central bank is developing a CBDC at 'a good pace.' Continue reading Central banks should be ready with CBDCs, says Bank of Canada exec The post Central banks shoClear and comprehensive regulatory frameworks are needed to address the risks associated with CBDCs and ensure their safe and efficient adoption. Diem is an independent, not-for-profit membership organization that helps people in the creation of a simple global currency.Key regulatory considerations include:

Data privacy: Establishing clear rules for the collection, storage, and use of user data.
Anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF): Implementing robust AML/CTF measures to prevent the use of CBDCs for illicit activities.
Consumer protection: Protecting consumers from fraud and other risks associated with CBDCs.
Financial stability: Ensuring that CBDCs do not pose a threat to financial stability.
Cross-border interoperability: Facilitating cross-border payments and remittances using CBDCs.

The Financial Stability Board (FSB), the financial authority of the G20 countries, has issued recommendations for the legal treatment of stablecoins like Libra, which can inform the development of CBDC regulations.These recommendations emphasize the need for comprehensive regulation, supervision, and oversight of stablecoin arrangements.

How CBDCs Can Enhance Cross-Border Payments

One of the most promising use cases for CBDCs is enhancing cross-border payments.Currently, cross-border payments are often slow, expensive, and opaque.CBDCs have the potential to address these challenges by:

Reducing transaction costs: CBDCs can eliminate intermediary fees and streamline payment processes, lowering the cost of cross-border payments.
Speeding up payment processing: CBDCs can enable real-time or near real-time settlement of cross-border payments, reducing delays.
Increasing transparency: CBDCs can provide greater transparency in payment flows, making it easier to track transactions.
Improving access to financial services: CBDCs can provide access to cross-border payment services for individuals and businesses in underserved areas.

There are two primary scenarios for cross-border CBDC use:

Independent CBDCs: Each country has its own CBDC, and cross-border payments are facilitated through existing correspondent banking networks or new payment platforms. BoC Exec Says Banks Should Be Ready With CBDCs In Case Of Libra BlockThis scenario requires interoperability between different CBDC systems.
Interoperable CBDCs: Countries collaborate to create a shared CBDC platform or establish protocols for seamless exchange between their respective CBDCs.This scenario requires a high degree of coordination and standardization.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Currencies

The future of digital currencies is likely to be a hybrid model, with both CBDCs and privately issued cryptocurrencies coexisting. New cryptographic tools could restrict the use of CBDCs by unverified persons while allowing for privacy in low-value transactions. Capping balances in CBDC digital wallets would reduce the riskCBDCs could serve as a stable and trusted foundation for the digital economy, while cryptocurrencies could offer innovative features and niche applications.However, the success of this hybrid model depends on effective regulation and international cooperation.

Central banks must continue to research and experiment with CBDCs to understand their potential benefits and risks. Timothy Lane says the central bank is developing a CBDC at a good pace. According to an Oct. 15 report from The Canadian Press, Timothy Lane, deputy governor of the Bank of Canada, or BoC, said central banks should have their own digital currency ready should regulators block Facebook s Libra token. He also noted that MoreThey also need to engage in dialogue with stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and the public, to build consensus on the future of digital currencies. OTTAWA - A senior official at the Bank of Canada says central banks should have their own digital currency ready as an alternative if they decide to say no to Central banks must have digital currency alternative if Facebook's Libra blocked: BoCThe advice of Timothy Lane to be ""CBDC-ready"" is not just about preparing for the possibility of Libra being blocked; it's about preparing for a future where digital currencies play a central role in the global economy.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

The rise of digital currencies, spurred by initiatives like Libra (Diem), has prompted a global reassessment of the future of money.Timothy Lane's call for central banks to be ready with CBDCs if Libra is blocked highlights the strategic importance of having a digital currency alternative.Central banks like the Bank of Canada are actively researching and experimenting with CBDCs to maintain monetary sovereignty, promote financial innovation, and enhance financial inclusion. BoC has been in the development of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and noted that research was going at a good pace.While challenges remain, the potential benefits of CBDCs, including improved payment efficiency, enhanced financial stability, and greater transparency, are significant. Central banks are exploring the potential for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to enhance cross-border payments. Currently, most CBDC investigations focus on domestic use cases. Two scenarios for cross-border CBDC use are discussed. The first assumes a retail CBDC is available across borders without coordination. The second assumes some degree of interoperability between CBDCs based onUltimately, the successful integration of CBDCs into the global financial system requires careful planning, robust regulation, and international cooperation.Being proactive and prepared is not just a prudent approach; it's essential for navigating the evolving landscape of digital finance.