CEPR-Rosalind项目：为零售CBDC生态系统创新构建API原型（英）-2023.6-38页_3mb

Executive Summary

Project Rosalind is an experimental initiative by the BIS Innovation Hub exploring Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for retail CBDC ecosystems. It demonstrated that a well-designed API layer can facilitate safe, interoperable, and innovative CBDC payments. Key findings include: APIs support a broad range of use cases, enable interoperability with different ledger designs, and abstract technical details, while addressing challenges like privacy, extensibility-consistency trade-offs, and offline payment security. The project involved collaboration with public and private sectors, testing over 30 use cases with its prototype API layer, comprising 33 endpoints across six functional categories. Insights highlight the need for further research on ecosystem roles, data sharing, and API standardization.

Introduction

The report outlines the global acceleration of CBDC explorations by central banks, with a focus on the two-tier retail CBDC model involving public-private partnerships. APIs are identified as crucial for enabling interoperability, innovation, and efficiency. Project Rosalind aimed to prototype APIs for this model, emphasizing security, privacy-preserving data handling, and ecosystem engagement.

Technical Design and Build

The project's architecture includes four layers: a central bank ledger layer simulating account and token-based ledgers, a ledger API layer translating calls, a core API layer orchestrating interactions, and a service providers layer for user interfaces. APIs adhere to FAPI standards, ensuring secure communication with features like encryption and authentication. A modular design balances extensibility and consistency, supporting more than 30 use cases tested in phases involving developers and industry experts.

Use Cases and User Feedback

A diverse set of use cases was explored, including digital inclusion, micropayments, offline payments, and programmability features like locks for conditional payments. User feedback indicated API simplicity and utility, but suggested improvements such as asynchronous models and better alignment with security standards. Key observations include the potential for APIs to support offline CBDC functionality and foster ecosystem innovation.

Insights, Learnings, and Areas for Further Exploration

Findings underscore the importance of API design in enabling user needs and driving innovation. Challenges include defining operational roles in the ecosystem, refining privacy models, and addressing security issues in offline scenarios. Recommendations focus on further research into trade-offs, standardization, and practical implementation of CBDC APIs to enhance resilience and cross-border payments.

Conclusion

Project Rosalind successfully showcased the viability of APIs for retail CBDC in a two-tier model, supporting diverse use cases and technological feasibility. It highlights the need for ongoing collaboration and standardization to address extensibility, privacy, and ecosystem dynamics. The project lays groundwork for future CBDC development and cross-border payment enhancements.