CBDC In India: IMF Executive Subramaniam Highlights Importance Of Digital Currency

Shourya Jha
January 11, 2023 Updated August 1, 2025
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CBDC & Stablecoins

CBDC In India: K.V. Subramaniam, executive director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and former chief economic adviser to the Government of India in an interview with The Print’s Off The Cuff event on Tuesday, talked about the difference between CBDC and cryptocurrency. He also mentioned that the banks will be keeping pace with the advancement in digitization.

There have been increased demand and chatter about digital money since the RBI started its pilot projects for the same.

“We need to distinguish between cryptocurrency and the CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency). Unlike the physical currency that we carry in our pockets, when we need to give money to somebody, CBDC is basically a digital currency issued by the central bank. In some way, it will be a part of the currency in circulation, and that is just the central bank keeping pace with digitization,” said the former chief economic adviser to the Government of India.

When asked if the central bank will have to recalibrate its money management by balancing the amount of currency to be printed and issued in the digital format, Subramanian said, “Printing of currency is based on the demand for currency. Depending on how they see the demand for the digital money (the CBDC), they will print. In some way, they are substitutes to each other.”

Also read: Last Quarter Of 2022 Records Lowest Investments In Crypto Startups: Report

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Banks are not just “parceling” money

Subramaniam also talked about banks being thought of as just a medium of parceling money however, he says, that it’s the creator.

“The fundamental flaw in this is that banks are actually money creators, they are not just passing the parcel,” he added.

“The theory of financial intermediation thinks that you can only lend what you have. But in real life, banks can lend much more than what they have. They assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. Once they grant the loan, the bank then credits the deposit in the lender’s account, which becomes the bank’s asset. So loans create deposits and not deposits create loans,” he explained.

Also read: Bithumb Exchange Faces Second Investigation In A Row

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Shourya is a fintech enthusiast who mainly reports on Cryptocurrency Prices, Union Budget, CBDC, and FTX collapse. Connect with her at [email protected]
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.