Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and Cryptocurrency are two different types of digital currencies that have been gaining a lot of attention lately. But what exactly are they and how do they differ? Let`s dive in.

What is CBDC?

Central Bank Digital Currency is a digital version of a country`s fiat currency that is issued and controlled by the central bank, making it fully centralized. It aims to provide a digital alternative to cash while maintaining the same level of security and regulatory oversight as physical currency.

CBDC is still a relatively new concept, but some countries are already exploring the idea of implementing them. For example, China has been working on its digital Yuan for a few years now, and it`s already being tested in some cities. The European Union and Sweden are also working on their own versions of CBDCs.

More and more countries are working on the concept. Even Jerome Powell of the Federal Reserve commented on the possibility of a digital U.S. dollar.

“You wouldn’t need stablecoins; you wouldn’t need cryptocurrencies if you had a digital U.S. currency,” he said “I think that’s one of the stronger arguments in its favor.”

The idea behind CBDC is to keep up with the fast-paced digital era, where more and more people are using cashless payments, and to provide a digital form of currency that is just as secure as physical cash.

What is Cryptocurrency?

On the other hand, we have cryptocurrencies, which are digital currencies that are decentralized and not controlled by any government or institution. This means that your funds belong only to you. They use encryption techniques to regulate the currency unit generation and to verify the fund transfers.

Cryptocurrencies are popular because they allow people to make transactions without the need for a bank or government. People can send money to anyone in the world without having to pay high fees or wait for days for the transaction to go through.

Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, was created in 2009. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have been created, each with its own unique features. Some of the most popular ones are Ethereum, Tether, and Ripple.

Crypto and CBDC Face-to-Face

In recent years, we`ve seen a solid increase in the number of large purchases in the crypto market by funds and institutions. This is because the market is gaining momentum and more people are starting to invest in it. However, CBDCs are seen as a government-led attempt to enter the market. Many countries are being strongly recommended or even forced at some point to implement them, and this could lead to a flight of crypto companies from countries where CBDCs are mandatory.

One of the concerns about CBDCs is the potential loss of privacy and safety of personal data. To implement CBDCs, governments may use 'bridges' that require Know Your Customer information. This means that people would have to provide their personal data, such as their name and address, to use the digital currency. This could lead to an increase in government surveillance and a loss of privacy for individuals. Some people are labeling it a direct violation of personal freedom and privacy.

Authorities admit possible inconveniences too. The US Federal Reserve released a press release saying CBDC could be a safe option for digital payments from both households and business and that payments between countries would become faster. However, downsides are predicted, and include “how to ensure a CBDC would preserve monetary and financial stability as well as complement existing means of payment.”

It`s important to note that CBDCs are not cryptocurrencies, but digital versions of fiat currency. They differ from cryptocurrencies in that they are issued and controlled by central banks and are not decentralized. However, CBDCs do have some potential benefits, such as increased convenience for individuals.

For example, with CBDCs, people would be able to make cashless payments without needing a bank account or a credit card. This means that even those who are unbanked or underbanked would be able to participate in the digital economy. Additionally, the implementation of CBDCs could lead to the emergence of lending in the cryptocurrency market, making it more accessible for more people. Also, it will be cheaper since states will be able to directly issue loans to banks.

As technology and regulations continue to develop, it will be interesting to see how these two forms of digital money will shape our economy and financial system. It`s possible that in the future, both CBDCs and crypto could coexist and potentially even complement each other. For example, CBDCs could provide a stable form of digital currency while cryptocurrencies could continue to offer more anonymity and decentralization.

It`s also possible that the implementation of CBDCs could lead to increased acceptance and mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies. In this sense, CBDCs and cryptocurrency could have a symbiotic relationship, where they both benefit from each other`s strengths and work together to create a more robust and efficient financial system.

One of the recent trends that we are seeing is the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies by governments. This is exemplified by the statement of the Japanese authorities that cryptocurrency companies need to issue licenses like banks. This highlights the growing acceptance of the crypto industry by governments and the need for regulatory oversight. This could also lead to increased security and stability in the crypto market, which would make it more accessible for ordinary people.

Embrace the Inevitable

In conclusion, CBDCs and cryptocurrencies are different forms of digital money with their own unique features and implications. While CBDCs may pose a threat to the privacy and autonomy of individuals, they also have the potential to bring benefits such as increased convenience and lower costs.

Companies, including NiftyPlanet and our NFT partners, will have to decide whether or not to interact with CBDCs as they become more prevalent in the near future. It`s important to keep in mind that both CBDCs and crypto are still new and evolving technologies, and it`s hard to say for sure what the future holds. As of now, the coexistence of these two forms of money seems possible.

However, it`s important to stay informed and educated about the potential benefits and drawbacks of both CBDCs and cryptocurrencies. As the use of digital currencies becomes more widespread, understanding the differences may benefit you when these assets become mainstream.

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