Sixth Meeting of the Experts’ Group on Central Bank Digital Currencies
From 1 to 4 September 2026, the Experts’ Group (EG) on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) held its sixth working meeting. The meeting, held in hybrid format, had over 35 registered delegates and other experts, representing 13 HCCH Members and seven Observers, in addition to members of the Permanent Bureau (PB) of the HCCH.
Pursuant to its mandate (C&D No 10 of CGAP 2026), the EG continued to make progress in its study of the jurisdiction and applicable law issues raised by the cross-border use and transfers of CBDCs, including the desirability and feasibility of a possible future instrument on these issues, with particular attention to their use in payments with a cross-border or international element.
The EG adopted its Final Report by consensus, in which it agreed that further work towards a private international law (PIL) framework for cross-border digital payments is both desirable and feasible. The EG further agreed by consensus to recommend that CGAP consider the establishment of a Working Group to develop a PIL framework for cross-border digital payments, in accordance with the scope and methodology set out in the Final Report.
The EG also continued their discussion of the text of the draft Explanatory Guidance. The document, as a non-binding and informative document, is intended to facilitate a shared understanding between PIL experts, and technical and other stakeholders in the design and implementation of CBDCs, while supporting ongoing projects and the development of relevant legal frameworks across jurisdictions. The EG agreed on iterations to the structure and text of the draft Explanatory Guidance, which will be iterated and then circulated to the EG for further written comments and final review. The iterated draft Explanatory Guidance, together with the compilation of answers to the questionnaire supporting the Explanatory Guidance, will be circulated to HCCH Members for their comments and approval, with a view to publication.
The EG will present its Final Report to CGAP in March 2027.
More information on the CBDCs Project is available on the HCCH website.