Australia sees no clear case for a retail central bank digital currency as its central bank considers how its settlement infrastructure could support tokenised finance.

The Reserve Bank of Australia and Treasury found that the country’s existing retail payment system continues to serve households and businesses well.

The finding is consistent with their joint paper published in 2024.

It also draws on an independent Verian Group consultation that examined Australians’ payment needs and views on a potential retail CBDC.

The RBA has separately opened a consultation on the role of the Reserve Bank Information and Transfer System in a tokenised ecosystem.

It is seeking feedback on how its settlement services could support digital asset markets and private forms of tokenised money while maintaining safety, efficiency and financial stability.

The consultation follows Project Acacia, which examined the potential for tokenisation to improve Australia’s wholesale financial markets. Submissions close on 30 October 2026.

The RBA has also published details of the regulatory, industry and central bank workstreams linked to the project.

It will update the information periodically as the initiatives progress.

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Australia, based on image by user850788 via Magnific