China’s Digital Yuan Evolves into Interest-Bearing ’Digital Deposits’
China's central bank is redefining the digital yuan's role in the financial system with a landmark policy shift. Starting January 1, 2026, commercial banks will pay interest on verified e-CNY balances—effectively transforming the CBDC from digital cash into yield-bearing deposits. The MOVE aims to boost adoption after years of sluggish uptake during pilot phases.
Deputy Governor Lu Lei framed the change as fundamental: the digital yuan will now compete directly with traditional bank accounts. Interest rates will mirror existing deposit pricing mechanisms, with balances covered by China's deposit insurance scheme. This strategic pivot aligns with Beijing's broader push for financial digitization while maintaining tight monetary control.