The Central Bank of Tunisia (BCT) denies report that it is developing a central bank digital currency (CBDC).
The official announcement from BCT apparently follows a piece of false news that Tunisia is the first country to launch its national digital currency “e-dinar” through a blockchain platform.
BCT Exploring Digital Payment Alternatives
The BCT refuses all claims of the central bank launching its digital currency solution.
The bank does clarify that it is looking for other alternatives of digital payment including the possibility of its own CBDC, although it has not gone forward in its implementation.
The bank further stated:
“The BCT is currently focusing on the digitization of finance, in its digital currency dimension and not that on cryptocurrency. Its services are studying the opportunities and risks inherent in these new technologies, particularly in terms of cyber security and financial stability.”
The central bank also denies a proposed partnership with a foreign company to deliver the CBDC while declaring that it does not have any relationship with any domestic or foreign firms.
In the statement, BCT also specified that it is preparing to launch a regulatory sandbox for technological innovations in the banking and financial sector in early 2020.
Source: Central Bank of Tunisia | Image: Kamel Agrebi/photoline-digital.com