On this Tech Talks Daily Podcast episode, I speak with Oliver Linch, the London-based lawyer, and CEO of Bittrex Global, a leading cryptocurrency exchange. With Europe's central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) rapidly developing, Oliver offers a unique perspective on the current landscape and future of digital money in the region.

Following the UK's decision to move forward with its Digital Pound project, CBDC initiatives are gaining momentum across Europe. However, significant opposition remains to digital currencies, with some arguing that central banks should not be involved in CBDCs due to the associated costs and risks.

As Bittrex Global's General Counsel and with a background in advising on regulatory policy in financial regulation and fintech, Oliver Linch is well-equipped to discuss the evolving CBDC landscape in Europe. In this episode, Neil and Oliver delve into why the UK decided to embrace the Digital Pound despite a fragile economy and ongoing political uncertainty.

We also explore the causes of opposition to CBDCs, the EU's slow progress in this area since 2021, and why most CBDC projects in Europe remain in the pilot phase, according to the Central Bank Digital Currency Tracker. 

During our conversation,  Oliver discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of CBDCs compared to cryptocurrencies. While CBDCs may not fully leverage the advantages of blockchain technology, they acknowledge the convenience and speed of transactions that CBDCs can offer.

Addressing concerns about the centralization of data and government control, we question the motives behind CBDCs and the need for their proponents to explain their necessity and superiority over existing currency forms.

Finally, the podcast touches on the challenges governments and central banks must overcome to successfully implement CBDCs, such as regulatory and technological obstacles. Oliver emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of CBDCs before building a system around them and explores the potential impact of generative AI on businesses.