Germany’s current account recorded a surplus of €5.9 billion in October 2022, almost half of the previous month’s result.

According to Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann, central banks should beware of crowding out private payment solutions and should play a supportive role instead. Mr Weidmann pointed out that competition and regulation are essential for a good market outcome. As central banks provide the backbone of the payment system, they need to be at the cutting edge of technology, he explained. This, he emphasised to participants of a Bundesbank virtual conference, includes working on central bank digital currency.

Link to selected standards and initiatives at national level, of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB), at European level (outside the ESCB), selected international standards and initiatives and links to English language websites of EU/ESCB central banks.