Core Viewpoint - The digital renminbi will transition from "digital cash" to "digital deposits" starting January 1, 2026, allowing users to earn interest on their digital currency holdings, marking a significant evolution in its role as a financial asset [1][2]. Group 1: Digital Renminbi Transition - The People's Bank of China has issued an action plan that allows commercial banks to pay interest on customer-held digital renminbi wallets based on the bank's current deposit rates [1][2]. - This change signifies a fundamental shift in the positioning of digital renminbi from cash in circulation (M0) to deposits within the commercial banking system [1][2]. - The transition will enable users to benefit from both the efficiency of traditional payment accounts and the innovative features of smart contracts [2]. Group 2: Security and Insurance - Digital renminbi deposits will be included in the deposit insurance scheme, providing a safety net of up to 500,000 yuan in case of bank failure [2]. - This enhancement significantly increases the attractiveness of digital renminbi as a wealth storage vehicle, combining security with potential returns [2]. Group 3: Current Status and Growth - As of November 2025, the digital renminbi has processed 3.48 billion transactions, with a total transaction value exceeding 16.7 trillion yuan [3]. - The number of personal digital wallets has reached 230 million, while corporate wallets stand at 1.884 million [3]. - In the cross-border payment sector, the mBridge initiative has successfully processed 4,047 transactions, with a transaction value equivalent to 387.2 billion yuan, of which 95.3% involved digital renminbi [3].
告别“零利息”时代 数字人民币开始“钱生钱”