Open Source Blockchains Power CBDC Development Across the Globe

The use of open-source blockchains is accelerating Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) development globally, with key initiatives being tracked as of April 2025. This trend reflects a focus on innovation and security in central bank-backed digital currencies, sparking significant interest from major financial institutions. One notable example is MIT’s OpenCBDC project, a collaborative effort between the MIT Media Lab and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston through Project Hamilton. The aim is to create an open-source codebase aimed at enhancing privacy and financial equity in CBDCs. Several prominent organizations are also actively exploring open source technologies for CBDC development, including Digital Euro Association and IBM. This effort seeks to offer a more secure alternative to traditional cryptocurrencies.   IBM has been instrumental in highlighting the growing importance of secure, interoperable CBDCs. Through blockchain technology and the adoption of open standards, they aim to address these concerns. The shift from decentralized cryptocurrencies to government-backed CBDCs is also generating significant regulatory attention. Experts highlight the potential for open-source CBDCs to set new industry standards by balancing innovation and compliance. Data analysis suggests that such a move could lead to greater security and increased compliance within the digital currency landscape, as proposed by Kanalcoin experts.