Share this article
Bank of England Seeks Digital Currency Research Lead
The Bank of England is on the hunt for an economist to spearhead its research into a central bank-issued digital currency.
By Stan Higgins
Updated Sep 11, 2021, 12:27 p.m. Published Aug 19, 2016, 1:46 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
The Bank of England is on the hunt for an economist to spearhead its research into a central bank-issued digital currency.
According to the job listing, the research lead would play a driving role in its bid to issue a digitized, blockchain-based version of the UK pound – an idea the Bank of England has been exploring since as early as last year.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
Tthe central bank is looking for someone to lead the effort and examine whether "universal access" to this kind of electronic money would be "desirable" for users.
The listing explains:
"The job holder will be responsible for owning the research agenda, conducting their own research and galvanizing research on these questions by experts inside the Bank and in academia. The job holder will also be responsible for drawing conclusions from the research on the impact of a CBDC on monetary and financial stability and making policy recommendations to Governors."
But there are also signs that search is taking longer than perhaps expected. As Bloomberg notes, the UK central bank previously listed this position over the summer, suggesting either a dearth of quality candidates or a high standard for research hires.
However, the Bank of England may have time on its side.
Recent statements from the central bank’s senior leadership and other elements of the UK government indicate the undertaking is likely years away from any launch.
Bank of England via Shutterstock
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
Bitcoin’s weakness versus gold and equities puts quantum computing fears back in focus
Some investors have revived concerns that quantum computing could threaten bitcoin, but analysts and developers say recent price weakness reflects market structure.
What to know:
- Bitcoin’s recent price stagnation has sparked a renewed debate over quantum-computing risks, with investor Nic Carter arguing that quantum fears are already shaping market behavior.
- On-chain analysts and prominent investors counter that the slowdown is better explained by large holders taking profits and increased supply hitting the market around the $100,000 level.
- Most bitcoin developers still view quantum attacks as a distant, manageable threat, noting that proposed upgrades like BIP-360 provide a path to quantum-resistant security and are unlikely to explain short-term price moves.
Top Stories
