The U.K.'s intent to introduce a digital pound in the coming years is notable for its commitment to giving access to banks, credit cards, and payment systems such as PayPal access to the digital payment system, thus allowing them to compete with the digital pound. The U.K.'s move is a defensive attempt to forestall competition by cryptocurrencies and similar techniques. All major countries face the same threats and are examining the introduction of digital currencies. Paradoxically, cryptocurrencies may yet have a significant impact on the world's payment system, not as a substitute for existing payment systems, but as a spur to the development of national digital currencies.
https://www.ft.com/content/1247a045-6750-45ee-b3a9-f5144d4efb4d
