Definition ∞ Wholesale CBDC Trials are experimental programs conducted by central banks and financial institutions to test the use of Central Bank Digital Currencies for interbank settlements and other wholesale transactions. These trials typically involve a limited number of participants and focus on specific use cases, such as cross-border payments or securities settlement. They aim to assess the operational and technical feasibility of wholesale CBDCs.
Context ∞ Wholesale CBDC trials are a significant area of focus in central banking and financial news, with numerous countries exploring their potential benefits for payment efficiency and financial stability. Reports often detail the results of these pilots, discussing their implications for market infrastructure and monetary policy. The outcomes of these trials will heavily influence future decisions regarding the implementation of national digital currencies.