This page may contain stale information. Last updated: 2026-06-28

Definition

A Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is a digital liability of a central bank, distinct from private stablecoins or commercial bank deposits. Policy debates center on financial privacy, monetary sovereignty, and competition with private digital dollars.

US Policy (June 2026)

  • 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644): Bans Federal Reserve from issuing or creating a CBDC or substantially similar digital asset until Dec 31, 2030
  • House: 358-32 (June 24); Senate: 85-5 (June 22)
  • Carve-out for open, permissionless, private dollar-denominated stablecoins
  • Revives Tom Emmer Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act language
  • Codifies Trump Jan 2025 executive order opposing retail CBDC
  • As of June 24, 2026, Trump canceled signing ceremony pending SAVE America Act; bill not yet signed — pocket passage possible within 10 days if Congress in session

Global Contrast

  • US: Anti-CBDC moratorium; favors private stablecoins (CLARITY Act ~60% passage odds per Galaxy Digital)
  • EU: mica framework enabling regulated CASP passporting (openpayd, Ripple, Bitcoin Suisse)

Sources