Reports

The digital yuan, China's state-run digital currency, represents a fully centralised and programmable monetary system, where the government can track all transactions in real time, impose restrictions on the use of money and even freeze funds without judicial intervention. This technology, already implemented in China, eliminates financial anonymity and gives the state unprecedented control over the economy and the lives of its citizens, while progressively reducing the use of cash.

Moreover, the e-CNY is being promoted internationally to reduce dependence on the dollar and strengthen China's global influence, in a context of increasing geopolitical tension. Thus, the digital yuan raises the question of whether we are facing a monetary revolution or the consolidation of a system of total control.

Nigeria is suing Binance for $81.5 billion, alleging economic losses and tax evasion. Authorities claim that Binance's operations have affected the stability of the naira currency and accuse the company of failing to meet its tax obligations. This case reflects the regulatory, economic and social challenges facing cryptocurrency platforms in emerging markets.

In a global context of accelerating digitalisation, Switzerland stands out as the first country to consider protecting cash at the constitutional level. The initiative, promoted by the Swiss Movement for Freedom, has gathered more than 130,000 signatures, forcing parliament to debate the proposal. The bill is currently in the consultation phase and has not yet entered into force.

The latest edition of the ‘Swiss Money Map 2024’ study by HSG shows that the infrastructure for cash withdrawals is shrinking, although cash is still guaranteed.

According to the ECB's 2024 Use of cash by euro area businesses report, in general, businesses consider cash to be better in terms of overall costs, reliability and privacy compared with other payment methods.

Sweden says “no” to a cashless society.