Digital currencies of central banks as a modern trend in the development of the payment industry

Central bank digital currencies are a phenomenon that is gradually becoming more and more popular not only among developed but also developing countries. A number of trends have influenced the rapid development of central bank digital currency projects, such as the growing demand for digital assets and the digitalization of the economy. In addition, this means of payment has a number of advantages compared to electronic and paper money. The evolution in the field of digital technologies, characterized primarily by the implementation of blockchain distributed ledger technology, has served as a catalyst for the promotion of initiatives of this type. This article discusses the experience of introducing digital currencies of central banks of countries that have succeeded in this matter, such as China and Nigeria, and also pays special attention to projects of countries around the world that are just developing this initiative. At the end of the article, the main advantages and disadvantages of digital currencies of central banks are given both for states and companies, and for individuals. Thus, the digital currencies of central banks are fraught with not only benefits, but also risks and problems that all participants in settlement and payment relations have to face. Despite a number of difficulties, there is a positive trend in the world to create new digital currencies.