China to Introduce Interest on Digital Yuan in 2026
China’s central bank will allow commercial banks to pay interest on digital yuan (e-CNY) balances starting January 1, 2026, marking a significant evolution from digital cash to "digital deposit money." The MOVE follows over a decade of pilot programs and aims to boost adoption by aligning the e-CNY more closely with traditional bank deposits.
Deputy Governor Lu Lei framed the upgrade as a strategic enhancement of the currency’s monetary functions, positioning it to compete with private digital payment systems. The overhaul reflects Beijing’s long-term vision for the e-CNY as both a retail and wholesale financial instrument.