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How Central Banks Are Using CBDCs for Monetary Policy
Description
Episode 38 of Monetary Policy Explained dives into central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) as a fresh policy tool. Lucas and Luna explore how CBDCs could transform monetary policy transmission, using China's digital yuan as a case study. They discuss programmability features like expiry dates and spending restrictions, the potential for negative interest rates at the retail level, and the implications for bank disintermediation. With over 130 countries exploring CBDCs, this episode breaks down the mechanics and trade-offs without hype. Listeners learn how a CBDC could give central banks direct influence over consumer spending and why it raises questions about privacy and financial stability. A focused, concrete look at a tool that may reshape how policy reaches the real economy.