The development of DLT in recent years now provides the possibility of a supplement to physical cash in the form of central bank digital currencies. The Bank of England was among the first central banks to take notice of the feasibility of a central bank digital currency, and other monetary authorities have since followed7.
The data available show that at 31 March this year the economic results of the four main groups involved in mergers were substantially in line with their business plans. These indicate, however, that the greater part of the benefits of the mergers carried out in 2007 – estimated at € billion a year when fully achieved – will not be realized until subsequent years.