A Contribution to Novelties in Theoretical Framework for Digital Currency Economics
- 1 Department of Accounting and Finance, HTU Business School, Ho Technical University, Ho, Ghana
Abstract
The advent of digital currencies, including cryptocurrencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), presents new challenges and opportunities in the financial landscape. This study addresses the gap in economic theory regarding digital currencies by proposing a comprehensive theoretical framework that integrates their distinct characteristics with traditional monetary principles. The primary research objective is to explore the issuance, circulation, and valuation of digital currencies, as well as their impacts on monetary policy and financial stability. Using a structured theoretical methodology, the study develops a set of hybrid models that combine algorithmic issuance and discretionary policy adjustments, stability protocols for volatility control, and a regulatory framework for global compliance and financial security. The results indicate that digital currencies can complement traditional monetary functions but necessitate careful regulation to mitigate risks to monetary policy transmission and financial stability. The findings suggest policy recommendations, including global regulatory standards and enhanced stability mechanisms, to facilitate the safe integration of digital currencies into the global economy. The originality of this research lies in its hybrid theoretical framework, which balances the decentralised aspects of cryptocurrencies with the controlled issuance of CBDCs, offering a novel approach to understanding digital currency economics. This framework provides valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and academics, helping them leverage digital currency benefits while addressing associated risks. The study contributes significantly to digital currency economics, presenting actionable guidance for a sustainable integration of digital finance into traditional financial systems.
- Nakamoto, S. (2008) Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System. https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf
- Bordo, M.D. and Levin, A.T. (2017) Central Bank Digital Currency and the Future of Monetary Policy. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER Working Paper No. 23711). https://doi.org/10.3386/w23711
- Narayanan, A., Bonneau, J., Felten, E., Miller, A. and Goldfeder, S. (2016) Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction. Princeton University Press.
- Yermack, D. (2015) Is Bitcoin a Real Currency? An Economic Appraisal. In: Kuo Chuen, D.L., Ed., Handbook of Digital Currency , Elsevier, 31-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-802117-0.00002-3
- Selgin, G. (2015) Synthetic Commodity Money. Journal of Financial Stability , 17, 92-99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfs.2014.07.002
- Berentsen, A. and Schar, F. (2018) A Short Introduction to the World of Cryptocurrencies. Review , 100, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.20955/r.2018.1-16
- Cong, L.W. and He, Z. (2019) Blockchain Disruption and Smart Contracts. The Review of Financial Studies , 32, 1754-1797. https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhz007
- Corbet, S., Lucey, B., Peat, M. and Vigne, S.A. (2018) Bitcoin, Commodities, and Currency Markets: Correlations, Returns, and Volatility. Energy Economics , 70, 583-593.
- Eichengreen, B. (2019) From Commodity to Fiat and Now to Crypto: What Does His-tory Tell Us? National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER Working Paper No. 25426). https://doi.org/10.3386/w25426
- Dyson, B. and Hodgson, G. (2016) Digital Cash: Why Central Banks Should Start Is-suing Electronic Money. Positive Money Report. https://www.datocms-assets.com/132494/1717792148-digital-cash-positive-money.pdf
- Böhme, R., Christin, N., Edelman, B. and Moore, T. (2015) Bitcoin: Economics, Technology, and Governance. Journal of Economic Perspectives , 29, 213-238. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.29.2.213
- Auer, R. and Böhme, R. (2020) The Technology of Retail Central Bank Digital Currency. BIS Quarterly Review. https://www.bis.org/publ/qtrpdf/r_qt2003j.htm
- Luther, W.J. and White, L.H. (2014) Can Bitcoin Become a Major Currency? SSRN Electronic Journal , No. 14-17. https://ssrn.com/abstract=2446604 https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2446604
- Catalini, C. and Gans, J.S. (2016) Some Simple Economics of the Blockchain. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER Working Paper No. 22952). https://doi.org/10.3386/w22952