The Bank of Jamaica is planning to pilot its delayed central bank digital currency (CBDC) across financial institutions in August, according to a Jamaica Observer report.
- Speaking at a Rotary Club conference last week, Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles said there are plans to expand the trial between September and December and then gradually move toward a full-fledged launch.
- According to Byles, financial institutions will exchange CBDC with businesses and individuals at a rate of J$1 (0.07 U.S. cent) in cash to 1 CBDC.
- “We're currently looking at all the technical sides of the system and we have a sandbox in the bank that we have the whole infrastructure in,” Byles said. ”As we work through the technical minting [redeeming] of the currency, we have to test it rigorously as a pilot and that we'll do in August.”
- The bank had originally planned to begin the pilot in May, but was delayed for unspecified reasons.
- The central bank is working with Ireland-based technology firm eCurrency Mint to support the rollout.
- As reported by CoinDesk, the government of Jamaica views the accelerated transition to a digital society and economy as vital to economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more: Jamaica to Pilot CBDC Later This Year
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