Cryptocurrencies

Australia’s Central Bank Chief Cautious Over Need for Digital Currency

  • Governor still welcomes government plans for consultation
  • He remains skeptical of cryptocurrency for mainstream payments

Philip Lowe

Photographer: Mark Graham/Bloomberg
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Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Philip Lowe said there was currently no strong need for a central-bank digital currency, but cautiously welcomed the possibility of one being created in the future.

Lowe’s remarks come after Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government was weighing plans for such a currency as part of a wide-ranging overhaul of the nation’s payments system. The central bank chief said Australia already had a fast and efficient electronic payments system in place.