ضحی ریاحی

Technological advancements have transformed the payments industry. In the competition between banknotes and alternative instruments such as debit cards and mobile payments, the question of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) has emerged in recent years and sparked much debate. This research examines the factors influencing public adoption of CBDC in two parts. From a macroeconomic perspective, demand for money encompasses the demand for the various functions of money—such as a means of payment and as a type of asset. Drawing on conventional theories of money demand, we analyze this demand over the long term. Since CBDC is essentially fiat money with characteristics similar to physical currency, but does not compete with cash due to the latter’s unique features (e.g., anonymity), it serves as a better substitute for demand deposits. With this view of CBDC, the findings related to demand deposits can be attributed to CBDC demand. In this study, using data on the number of point-of-sale (POS) terminals, debit cards, and ATMs, a logistic model is estimated to calculate a digital development index for Iran’s economy. One key result is the positive and significant effect of this digital development index on demand for demand deposits (as a proxy for CBDC demand), and its negative and significant effect on demand for banknotes. In the second part, CBDC is examined as a payment instrument. Here, the factors influencing CBDC adoption are categorized into four groups: technological, demographic, financial-economic, and operational.

Technological advancement in recent years has compelled central banks to look for new ways to effectively provide payment systems that are fast and more convenient compared to traditional paper-based payment systems. It has led to the birth of the concept of digital currencies issued solely by central banks called Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). As this concept is relatively new, there is ongoing research being conducted by several central banks worldwide, and while the research work done thus far has answered many questions, there remains a number of unsettled issues and questions. This paper aims to delve into the literature on this concept and focus on several key questions like the reasons for issuing digital currency, payment systems efficiency, and the advantages and disadvantages of digital currencies issued by central banks. Answering these questions could substantially help figure out the usefulness of creating a new payment method alongside the current payment system. However, extensive future research is required for a comprehensive understanding the effectiveness and usefulness of digital currencies.