The global financial landscape is on the brink of a significant transformation with the advent of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). As nations around the world explore the potential of CBDCs, questions arise about the implications for the US dollar, which has long held a position of supremacy in international finance. This blog post delves into the arguments surrounding how CBDCs might challenge the dominance of the US dollar.
One of the most profound impacts of CBDCs could be the improvement of financial inclusion. By providing accessible digital currency options, CBDCs have the potential to reach unbanked and underbanked populations, offering them entry into the formal financial system.
The US dollar currently enjoys a dominant position as the world’s primary reserve currency, underpinning international trade and finance. Its strength lies in the United States’ stable political system, robust economy, and the depth and liquidity of its financial markets. The dollar is the preferred medium for international transactions, reserves, and invoicing, far exceeding the US’s share in global GDP and trade.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
CBDCs represent a digital form of a nation’s fiat currency, issued and regulated by its central bank. They promise to modernize the financial system, offering benefits such as improved transaction efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced financial inclusion. Over 90% of central banks are now exploring CBDCs, signaling a shift towards embracing digital currencies.
Potential Impacts on the US Dollar’s Supremacy
CBDCs could potentially offer a more efficient alternative to the current cross-border payment systems, which are often slow and costly. A CBDC, by design, could enable faster and cheaper international transactions, reducing the reliance on the US dollar and the SWIFT system for global payments.
As CBDCs gain traction, they may become a more attractive option for holding reserves, especially if they are seen as more stable or offer better returns than traditional assets. This could diminish the role of the US dollar as the primary reserve currency, as nations diversify their holdings into various CBDCs.
The issuance of CBDCs could also be influenced by geopolitical shifts. While a recent paper from the US Federal Reserve suggests that a US CBDC would have no material impact on the dollar’s dominance, it adds a critical caveat that this holds true “in the absence of large geopolitical changes separate from CBDC issuance”. Thus, the broader geopolitical landscape could play a significant role in determining the future of the dollar’s international role.
The rise of cryptocurrencies and private digital currencies poses another challenge to the US dollar’s dominance. These digital assets could reduce the reliance on the US dollar for international transactions and central reserves, further eroding its supremacy.
The potential of CBDCs to endanger the supremacy of the US dollar is a complex issue, intertwined with technological advancements, policy decisions, and geopolitical dynamics. While CBDCs offer the promise of a more efficient and inclusive financial system, their impact on the US dollar’s dominance remains uncertain. It is clear, however, that the financial world is on the cusp of a digital revolution, and the US dollar’s role in this new era is yet to be fully determined.
