A survey by the IMF involving 19 central banks in the Middle East and Central Asia suggests that while central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could enhance financial inclusion and payment efficiency, they may not be necessary for achieving these goals. Instead, addressing underlying constraints and improving existing digital payment systems might be more effective.

Central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) may not be essential to achieving intended policy goals, instead addressing underlying constraints and improving other digital payment systems may be a more practical alternative, a survey of 19 central banks in the Middle East and Central Asia (ME&amp;CA) region by the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) has said.

IMF Survey Suggests CBDCs Not Essential for Financial Goals in Middle East, Central Asia