April 16: Presentation and Fireside Chat with Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel

As the digitization of the global economy accelerates, over 130 countries are exploring whether to issue a digital version of their currencies. Central bank digital currencies (CBDC) would be backed and issued by the same public entities that issue cash. Much remains unknown about how this new technology will impact our financial systems and what opportunities CBDC may unlock for innovation.

On April 16 at 10:30 am, Dr. Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank, the central bank of Germany, will visit the MIT Media Lab and share insights on proposals to issue a digital currency for the euro area of the European Union entitled “Digital Euro: Vision, Advancements, and Challenges.”

During a speech and fireside chat with Dr. Neha Narula, director of the MIT Digital Currency Initiative (DCI), Dr. Nagel will discuss why the euro area may need a digital currency, what technological and policy challenges the European Central Bank must surmount, and where plans stand to consider the issuance of this new form of public money. 

Dr. Nagel holds a PhD in economics from the University of Karlsruhe and has served in a variety of leadership roles in academia and the public sector in Germany and internationally. He became President of the Bundesbank in 2022 and is a member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, which is currently working with national central banks of the euro area to explore the possibility of a digital euro.

This event will be co-hosted by the MIT Digital Currency Initiative and the MIT Golub Center for Finance and Policy and is open to MIT students, faculty, and staff—please join us!

Date:  Tuesday, April 16
Time:  10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location:  Media Lab (E-14, 6th floor)

This event will not be recorded or streamed; no RSVP or registration necessary. For questions (including requests for members outside of the MIT community to attend), please contact deirdre@mit.edu