Abstract: the author argues that the necessity to introduce central bank digital currency into circulation is explained by the existence of objective economic prerequisites. The author points out the development of telecommunications and the availability of the Internet, the results of activity of financial companies in terms of providing services on the financial market, the successful introduction of private crypto-currencies as prerequisites for the introduction of digital currency. The article discusses in detail the evolution of opinions of central banks on the possibility of implementation. On the basis of the database of digital currency projects, the author identified five key stages of design and implementation: identification of needs, assessment of potential benefits and costs, development of technological concept, conducting a pilot project, the formation of a legislative framework. By the example of different countries the article systematized the main motives for the introduction of central bank digital currency: the creation or improvement of national monetary circulation system, the availability of public money, improving the efficiency of payment systems. The author shows the importance of technical and legal support of the new form of public money, including the definition of the maximum permissible level of dependence on technological companies and transformation of the role of the central bank. The article summarizes the experience of organizing pilot projects in developed and developing countries and defines the prospects of digital currency circulation.
Keywords: central bank digital currency, central bank, monetary policy, payment system, reserve money, blockchain