The Leader podcast: Is British “digital pound” death of cash?

Treasury investigates virtual money in banks’ war for your wallet
Is British “digital pound” death of cash? (PA)
PA Wire

Could the humble quid in your pocket soon be going digital?

The British government’s talking about minting a new virtual version of our national currency.

Andrew Griffith, economic secretary to the Treasury, tells the Treasury Select Committee they’re investigating how it would all work as part of a future finance consultation.

It comes as China beta tests digital yuan in major cities and the European Central Bank studies a virtual euro.

But what are the implications for your bank balance, reliability and privacy?

The Leader podcast’s joined by Brett Scott, a former City broker and author of Cloudmoney: Cash, Cards, Crypto and the War for our Wallets.

We discuss the twin concepts of a Bank of England-issued digital currency and a privately-issued “stablecoin” backed by fiat money.

Plus, the future of physical cash and does the chequebook have a place in the 21st Century.

Listen above, and find us on your Spotify Daily Drive or wherever you stream your podcasts.

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