National Electronic Currency

China has developed its own cryptocurrency that’s now being tested in Shanghai, Beijing, and other large cities throughout the country. The electronic yuan (eCNY) makes China a leader among major powers in introducing a totally digital national currency.

Unlike Bitcoin, which is decentralized by design, electronic currencies created through central banks give governments greater control over direct payments by tracking where the money is spent and even assigning expiration dates to certain disbursements.

Other countries that have already experimented with a government-backed cryptocurrency include Sweden (where tests of the digital krona are already underway) and the Bahamas (whose digital Sand Dollar has been made available to all citizens).