Norway’s central bank says CBDC ‘not warranted,’ cites strong payment system

Norway rules that a digital krone is unnecessary for now, highlighting its strong payment rails and the uncertain benefits of both retail and wholesale CBDCs.

Norges Bank, the central bank of Norway, concluded that introducing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) is “not warranted at this time,” marking a clear signal that the country is reconsidering the urgency of retail and wholesale CBDCs.

The central bank said Wednesday that Norway’s existing payment system already offers secure, efficient and low-cost transactions, reducing the need for a CBDC in the near term. Still, the bank remains open to launching a CBDC in the future. 

“Norges Bank has concluded that introducing a central bank digital currency is currently not warranted,” said Norges Bank Governor Ida Wolden Bache. “The need for such a currency may, however, change in the future.”

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