[News](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research?field_article_type=24) # Payments Canada launches Central Bank Digital Currency series November 20, 2020 Payments Canada has published *[Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): The Fundamentals](/sites/default/files/2022-08/PaymentsCanada_2020CBDCTheFundamentals_En.pdf)*, the first in a series of educational papers on CBDC. The fundamentals paper explores the motivations for CBDC issuance in Canada and outlines the differences between CBDC, cryptocurrency and conventional bank notes, as well as discusses emerging CBDC use cases. The concept of central bank digital currencies (CBDC) has been a topic in the payments ecosystem for some time for interbank payments as well as everyday transactions. This interest has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing migration to digital payments. A [recent Bank for International Settlements (BIS) paper](https://www.bis.org/press/p200121.htm) indicated central banks around the world are engaging in research, experimentation or development of CBDCs and Canada is no exception: in January 2020, the [Bank of Canada announced](https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2020/01/central-bank-working-group-cbdc/) the creation of a working group to share experiences and knowledge as CBDC implementation is considered. These educational papers will provide a base of understanding for furthering the discussion around CBDC in Canada and its impacts on key players in the payments industry and end users, along with the potential economic and social implications. [Download paper ](/sites/default/files/2022-08/PaymentsCanada_2020CBDCTheFundamentals_En.pdf) [Return to newsroom](https://www.payments.ca/insights/news-research) ## Keep reading [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News October 1, 2026 ### Payments Canada welcomes six new members as expanded membership... Twenty-two new members have joined since 2025 regulatory changes — a necessary step for those seeking access to critical national payment infrastructure, including the forthcoming Real-Time Rail... ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-six-new-members-expanded-membership-eligibility-reaches-one-year-milestone)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-welcomes-six-new-members-expanded-membership-eligibility-reaches-one-year-milestone) [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News September 25, 2026 ### Payments Canada names Stephan Orzechowski as Vice President... Payments Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephan Orzechowski as Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Business Transformation. Stephan will lead strategic vendor partnerships... ](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-names-stephan-orzechowski-vice-president-strategic-partnerships-and-business)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/payments-canada-names-stephan-orzechowski-vice-president-strategic-partnerships-and-business) [ ![placeholder.png](/sites/default/files/styles/article/public/placeholder.png?h=5dafd208&itok=qKDbzxAp) News July 27, 2026 ### ACSS rule changes enhance payment system processes Updates provide expanded definitions and process efficiency Payments Canada has implemented a series of administrative and operational amendments to the Automated Clearing Settlement System (ACSS)... ](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)[Learn more](https://www.payments.ca/acss-rule-changes-enhance-payment-system-processes)