Philippines To Introduce Non-Blockchain CBDC in A Few Years

Eli Remolona, the Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), recently announced plans for the central bank to launch a wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) within the next few years. This initiative, discussed during an interview with Inquirer.net on February 12, marks a significant step forward in the country’s approach to digital currency, diverging from traditional blockchain technology used by other central banks.

Exploring a New Approach to CBDCs

The BSP is taking a unique path by deciding against the use of blockchain for its CBDC project. Previous attempts by other central banks to employ blockchain technology have not been successful, according to Remolona. Instead, the Philippine Central Bank aims to develop its CBDC on a proprietary payment and settlement system. This approach focuses on creating a wholesale CBDC that operates through banks, rather than directly servicing the public.

This strategic decision stems from concerns over potential issues associated with retail CBDCs, such as the risk of disintermediation, possible bank runs during periods of financial stress, and the undesired expansion of the central bank’s influence in the market. By limiting the CBDC to wholesale transactions, the BSP intends to mitigate these risks, with retail transactions facilitated indirectly through banks.

Leveraging International Experiences

Remolona highlighted the efforts of Sweden and China as benchmarks in the development of CBDCs that serve as digital alternatives to cash and as competitors to existing cryptocurrencies. He expressed confidence in the Philippines’ ability to replicate the successes of these nations by focusing on a wholesale model. The anticipated timeline for the CBDC’s introduction falls within Remolona’s current term, potentially materializing in the next two years.

Parallel to the CBDC initiative, the Philippine financial regulatory landscape has been actively managing its relationship with the global cryptocurrency market. The Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reasserted its ban on Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, in December 2023, citing unauthorized operations within the country. Despite this, Binance continues to be a popular choice among Filipino users, who praise its reliability and stability.

The SEC, under Chair Kelvin Lee, has addressed public concerns and debates about Binance’s cost advantages for local investors. Lee emphasized the importance of compliance costs, which Binance has circumvented, and recommended that investors turn to one of the seventeen registered virtual asset service providers operating within the country.

Forward-Looking Strategies for Digital Finance

The BSP’s plan to introduce a wholesale CBDC represents a forward-thinking strategy in the evolution of digital finance within the Philippines. By choosing a non-blockchain-based system for its CBDC, the central bank is setting a precedent for other nations considering similar digital currencies. This approach not only aims to enhance the efficiency of financial transactions but also seeks to secure the financial system against the challenges posed by direct-to-consumer digital currencies.

The broader regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in the Philippines reflects a cautious but engaged stance towards digital assets. By regulating foreign exchanges like Binance and advocating for compliance among crypto service providers, the Philippine SEC is working to protect investors while fostering a stable and transparent digital financial ecosystem.

As the BSP moves forward with its CBDC project, the global financial community will be watching closely. The Philippines’ experience could offer valuable insights into the potential of wholesale CBDCs to complement traditional banking systems while addressing the complexities of digital finance.