The central bank of Germany recently noted that although Germans typically prefer cash, they showed equal interest in Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). A study conducted by the Bundesbank revealed that around 86% of respondents expressed their openness to CBDC, either by holding unremunerated CBDC or withdrawing to digital euros during banking stress. The study also suggested that appropriately calibrated holding limits for CBDC could result in “welfare improvements” by enabling households to satisfy their demand for CBDC while mitigating the risk of runs during vulnerable periods. During the DZ Bank Capital Markets Conference 2024, a representative emphasized that financial institutions and payment service providers processing digital euro payments would be prohibited from using personal and transaction-related data for commercial purposes.
This restriction, however, could be lifted only if users explicitly granted consent.