Definition ∞ A Wholesale Central Bank refers to a central bank that primarily deals with financial institutions, large corporations, and government entities, rather than directly with the general public. In the context of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), a wholesale CBDC would be designed for interbank settlements and institutional use, facilitating efficient and secure transactions among financial market participants. This differs from a retail CBDC, which would be available to the general populace.
Context ∞ The concept of a Wholesale Central Bank, particularly in relation to wholesale CBDCs, is a significant area of research and policy discussion among global monetary authorities. Debates center on the potential benefits for financial stability, payment system efficiency, and reducing settlement risk in interbank markets. Future developments involve pilot programs and detailed studies exploring the practical implementation and economic implications of wholesale CBDCs for financial infrastructures.