The way people in Aotearoa New Zealand pay for things is changing. People are not using cash as much as they used to. Digital payments are becoming more common.
There are also new forms of money being developed — such as cryptoassets. These innovations in services and technologies present challenges and opportunities for the future of money.
Digital and other private innovation in money
The companies that offer new types of private money pose potential threats and bring opportunities. They don't have to follow the same rules and regulations as the commercial banks they compete with.
Without equal treatment, the new types of private money could lead to bad outcomes.
What does the future hold for cash?
New types of private money and payment instruments are emerging all the time. But we still need to make sure our central bank money is fit for purpose and meets people's needs — including those who can't access private products.
Central bank money builds trust and confidence in private money
We call this acting as a value anchor for private money. This value anchor is the reason everyone can transact in New Zealand dollars with confidence and the reason we can use monetary policy to help keep prices stable. Central bank money is a value anchor for people like Jess because:
- Jess' wages go into her bank account. She needs to have confidence in what her wages are worth.
- Jess knows she can withdraw her wages as cash. She knows what that cash would buy.
- Jess is willing to trust her bank to look after her money.
There are a range of reasons why people may use cash, such as:
- it helps them budget and manage expenditure
- it is preferred in their community or social setting
- banks won’t accept them as customers or they don't trust banks
- they find using private money too difficult
- they like the fact that cash payment is anonymous.
Most people use cash at times, and around 6% of people need to use it always. During the 2022 cyclone, electronic payments were not available for several days in Wairoa and Tairāwhiti.
The monetary system might need to change
The monetary system may need significant changes to meet these challenges so that central bank money continues to provide a value anchor for private money, New Zealanders have financial and social inclusion, and can enjoy safe and reliable ways to pay and save. These changes may include:
- introducing a central bank digital currency
- new rules or arrangements in the systems that provide cash
- new rules or service requirements for banks and/or retailers
- new rules for providers of new types of private money.