Central Banks Weigh CBDCs Against Instant Payment Systems as mBridge Faces Growing Concerns Over Its BRICS Associations

• The waning interest in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) for cross-border payments has raised eyebrows within the financial community.

• Recent statistics reveal a significant decrease in the favorability of CBDCs, reflecting a shift in central banks’ strategies.

• According to the OMFIF report, “Instant Payment Systems are preferred due to their scalability and established frameworks,” underscoring a major transition in payment modalities.

This article analyzes the declining interest in CBDCs for cross-border payments and the rise of Instant Payment Systems in 2024.

Declining Popularity of CBDCs

The enthusiasm surrounding Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) has diminished significantly, as evidenced by findings from the OMFIF Future of Payments 2024 survey. Only 13% of central banks view CBDCs as the most promising method for enhancing cross-border payments, a dramatic decline from the 31% reported last year. This trend indicates a growing skepticism regarding the long-term viability and effectiveness of CBDCs in facilitating international transactions.

Challenges Facing CBDC Implementation

While CBDCs promise transactional efficiency, the challenges surrounding their implementation cannot be overlooked. The report highlights high operational costs as a primary concern for central banks. The varied perspectives on the best approach to address these challenges demonstrate the complexity of adopting a unified CBDC framework. As one respondent articulated, there is a “remarkable diversity of views” on the best method for achieving cross-border payment solutions.

Project mBridge’s Struggles

Project mBridge, positioned as the leading multi-currency CBDC platform, has faced several hurdles that hinder its broader adoption. Since achieving the minimum viable product phase in June 2024, liquidity and governance issues have emerged as critical barriers. As stated by a project participant, “mBridge offers a completely new architecture on how to transmit across borders, one that is faster and cheaper,” yet its reliance on technology developed in China raises alarms regarding decentralization and control.

Regulatory and Political Concerns

The intersection of technology and politics intensifies scrutiny surrounding mBridge. The Bank for International Settlements has recently withdrawn from the project amid concerns about potential sanctions evasion. BIS General Manager Agustín Carstens emphasized, “mBridge is not the BRICS bridge,” clarifying that the initiative was not intended to facilitate the needs of countries like Russia. Nonetheless, experts like Josh Lipsky from the Atlantic Council caution that any perceived association with BRICS nations may hinder Western support, complicating the platform’s future.

Rise of Instant Payment Systems

In sharp contrast to the dwindling support for CBDCs, Instant Payment Systems have emerged as the favored alternative, securing 47% approval among central banks surveyed. The scalability of these systems, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia where countries have begun to trial Project Nexus, positions them favorably in the evolving financial landscape. Despite this momentum, the survey noted that developing a coherent governance framework and regulatory infrastructure remains a pressing challenge.

Market Updates for Cryptocurrency Traders

• Bitcoin has faced a slight dip of 0.5%, currently trading at $96,458.
• Ethereum remains stable at $3,704, reflecting lesser volatility.

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Conclusion

The current landscape for cross-border payments reveals a noteworthy pivot from CBDCs towards Instant Payment Systems, reflecting central banks’ priorities for scalable and effective solutions. As financial institutions navigate regulatory challenges and interoperability considerations, the focus will likely remain on developing robust frameworks that support seamless international transactions.