The Central Bank of Jordan is closer to its next step toward a retail central bank digital currency (rCBDC) with the completion of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) technical report on the country’s markets. The IMF conducted a three-month mission last year to assist the bank with preparations for a CBDC feasibility report. The IMF released its report Feb. 23.

Working between July and September 2022, the IMF gave the country’s existing retail payment market a largely positive review, calling it well-integrated. Two nonbank payment service providers (PSPs) have “generally accessible and appropriate product” and the country has high smartphone penetration, the report noted.

Nonetheless, an rCBDC would enhance financial inclusion by providing services to residents without smartphones. An rCBDC could also improve the domestic payment system by making its infrastructure available to PSPs and lower the cost of cross-border transfers.