Bitcoin’s adoption is undoubtedly increasing across the world. And the continued acceptance and usage of this digital currency could have significant and profound effects on the traditional financial systems. More importantly, central banks’ practices will undoubtedly change as more people turn to use this cryptocurrency.
Some people have even argued that fiat currency could eventually become obsolete. And this implies that Bitcoin might replace the euro, the yen, the dollar, and other fiat currencies in the future. Perhaps, this implication should prompt central banks to issue their digital currencies. But, what risks and opportunities do Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies present?
Today, many people use online trading platforms, read more to trade this cryptocurrency for profits. Such a system provides the information that people need to purchase and sell this digital currency. It also guides individuals that don’t know much about this cryptocurrency and want to earn from crypto investments. But, what are the implications of such activities for central banks? Here are some of the ways Bitcoin’s adoption will affect central banks.
Money is Largely Electronic
People still use physical currency in most countries across the world. However, the use of physical cash is rapidly shrinking in countries like Sweden. Many consumers across the globe transact routinely without physical money. Mobile phones and credit cards are the most common payment methods in the contemporary world. What’s more, most of the cash from bank reserves or central banks is in electronic form. As such, cryptocurrencies or digital currencies do not present a completely new idea to the major banks.
Bitcoin Will Take Time to Replace Government-Issued Currencies
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are undoubtedly becoming increasingly popular. However, digital currencies are yet to earn the trust of most people. Fiat currencies like the U.S dollar, the Japanese Yen, and the Euro are still the most popular options. That’s because they have the backing of central banks.
Although people have eroded confidence in government institutions, they still prefer fiat money because it has the backing of central banks. And this could remain the case for a long time.
Bitcoin Could Still Transform the Financial System
Digital currencies are part of the innovations that are transforming how global payment systems work. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies’ ability to facilitate real-time, cross-border transactions could prompt traditional banks to work on their inefficiency. For instance, when more people opt to use Bitcoin for cross-border transactions, banks could eventually look for ways to speed up their transactions. What’s more, traditional banks are likely to broaden financial system access to rural and poor households.
New Technologies come with Big Challenges
As hinted, Bitcoin and other digital currencies are part of the innovative technologies that simplify life. For instance, Bitcoin uses blockchain technology that eliminates intermediaries. And this reduces transaction costs significantly. With more platforms publishing information about Bitcoin and other digital currencies, people have easy access to information. And this sounds good to consumers.
However, some of these technologies can intensify contagion between markets and even destabilize some financial marketplaces. That’s because they might undermine the conventional banks’ business models, thereby making it difficult for them to operate via a banking system. And this could hinder their financial stability.
Banks Could Issue their Cryptocurrencies
Some banks are already considering the idea of issuing their digital currencies. As such, some banks could allow the public to make electronic deposits at their central banks. Currently, the central banks of countries like Tunisia and Ecuador have issued digital currencies to their customers. In Sweden, cash usage is declining at a fast rate. As such, this country is also considering giving digital money to its citizens. That way, the central bank of this country won’t lose its market share to cryptocurrencies.
In a nutshell, Bitcoin adoption could have significant implications for central banks. Nevertheless, these financial organizations are working on ways to mitigate any adverse impacts of cryptocurrencies’ adoption on them.