Fintech Notes

Technology Solutions to Support Central Bank Digital Currency with Limited Connectivity: A Review of Existing Approaches

By Hervé Tourpe, John Kiff, Majid Malaika, Chris Ostrowski

August 7, 2025

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Format: Chicago

Hervé Tourpe, John Kiff, Majid Malaika, and Chris Ostrowski. "Technology Solutions to Support Central Bank Digital Currency with Limited Connectivity: A Review of Existing Approaches", Fintech Notes 2025, 005 (2025), accessed August 8, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229017435.063

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Summary

This note explores the implementation of central bank digital currencies in environments with limited connectivity, emphasizing the need for offline solutions to enhance financial inclusion. It discusses various scenarios, such as stored-value card systems and device-to-device payment methods, which allow transactions without constant internet access. Key considerations include the form factor of devices, operational risks, and privacy issues associated with offline transactions. The note highlights the importance of security measures, diverse technological solutions, and user experience in the design of these systems. It explains that no single architecture fits all use cases, underscoring the need for continuous stakeholder engagement and adaptation to evolving technologies. Ultimately, the report advocates for robust offline payment systems that can effectively meet the challenges of limited connectivity while fostering resilience and inclusivity in financial systems.

Subject: Central Bank digital currencies, Central Banks, Environment, Fintech, Money, Technology

Keywords: CBDC, Central Bank digital currencies, Device-to-device payments, Financial inclusion, Fintech, Offline solutions, Security, Stored-value cards, User experience

Publication Details

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