Before joining the Bank of Slovenia Marko Pahor was for over two decades a professor of statistics and economics at the University of Ljubljana. Besides the role in the central bank, he is a member of the high-level task force on digital Euro at the ECB. 

The Bank of Slovenia is the central bank of the Republic of Slovenia. Since 1 May 2004, when Slovenia joined the European Union, the Bank of Slovenia has been a member of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB).

One of the most frequently asked questions about Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is: “Why do we need them?” In other words, in a world where cash payments are increasingly being replaced—not just complemented—by a wide range of electronic payment methods, from payment cards to instant and mobile solutions, what is the rationale for introducing CBDCs? The core argument I want to make is that there is a gap between physical cash and private electronic payment systems—a space that CBDCs are uniquely positioned to fill. Since the nature and size of this gap vary across different monetary jurisdictions, the role and design of CBDCs will inevitably differ as well. They will need to adapt to local conditions in order to effectively bridge these gaps and meet the specific requirements for successful implementation.

Governors' Panel on Digital Currencies

In this panel, the deputy governors of several central bank share their views on digital currencies. Gain unique perspectives on digital currency design, policy considerations, and the role of digital currencies in shaping the future financial system. Learn about the challenges, opportunities, and potential implications of CBDCs and stablecoins in the financial sector. Hear from these high-level decision-makers their strategic vision and practical insights that drive the digital currency agenda.