• Unit 7: Cryptocurrencies, Stablecoins, and Central Bank Digital Currencies

    This unit introduces Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). As central banks begin to launch CBDC pilots, this unit hypothesizes their potential place in a future monetary system. It specifically looks at CBDC development in China, Europe, and the US. This unit will also place Bitcoin, digital assets, and CBDCs in the context of each other. It discusses how atomic swaps and jurisdictional arbitrage might shift the monetary landscape.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

    • 7.1: Alternative Cryptocurrencies, Stablecoins, and CBDCs

      This subunit explains the origin of alternative cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) as a second layer of money alongside other central bank liabilities. It explains the differences between wholesale CBDCs and retail CBDCs, and how each might affect the monetary system. It looks at the ECB's digital euro, China's digital renminbi, and the Federal Reserve's digital dollar projects.

    • 7.2: The Potential Future of the Monetary System

      This subunit explores Bitcoin, CBDCs, and stablecoins, and their potential role in the future of monetary systems.

    • Unit 7 Review and Assessment

      • Receive a grade