China’s interest-bearing CBDC a world first, experts say
E-CNY now more integrated with commercial banking, thus solidifying country’s two-tier system
China has kicked off 2026 with an update to its central bank digital currency that experts say combines the features of various digital technologies to create a world first: a CBDC that bears interest when deposited in commercial bank accounts.
Experts tell Central Banking that the change cements the e-CNY as China’s digital currency of choice, and is likely to boost international adoption of the renminbi.
People’s Bank of China deputy governor Lu Lei announced the change on December 29 in a
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