
Bank of Israel explores options to boost adoption of proposed digital shekel
The Bank of Israel laid out several initiatives to trigger mass adoption of its digital shekel, including using the CBDC to settle taxes and pay salaries.
The Bank of Israel laid out several initiatives to trigger mass adoption of its digital shekel, including using the CBDC to settle taxes and pay salaries.
Israel has decided against launching a digital shekel but remains open to its possible development, noting that global powers and the state of cash transactions could influence its future judgment.
Attorney General Yali Rothenberg confirmed that the move to explore the use of blockchain is to open the nations to “new possibilities for the issuance and management of government debt.”
Israel is slowly embracing digital assets, issuing its first-ever permanent 'crypto' license to a native firm, in line with its plan to explore and adopt a CBDC that will promote financial inclusion.
Bank of Israel partnered with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Bank for International Settlements to test the feasibility of a digital shekel for retail use.
The public said that a digital shekel would reduce reliance on cash and advance the fintech industry, but the BOI has still not decided whether it will issue the CBDC.
Governor Amir Yaron considers central bank digital currencies are the future of finance and will give central banks an effective monetary policy tool as the payments paradigm shifts.
Andrew Abir said the bank had begun piloting the digital currency, though was keen to downplay suggestions that a wider launch was imminent.
The Bank of Israel is reported to be working alongside other central banks to prepare for an eventual launch, though has yet to commit to formally introducing a digital shekel.