#Firstdealofthenewyearastylz 4. Global Developments in CBDCs • Countries leading CBDC research and development (China, EU, USA, etc.) • Case studies of pilot programs (e.g., e-CNY, Sand Dollar, Digital Euro) • Lessons learned from early adopters 5. Benefits of CBDCs • Financial inclusion • Efficiency in payment systems • Reduction of illicit financial activities • Monetary policy effectiveness 6. Challenges and Risks • Privacy concerns and surveillance risks • Cybersecurity threats • Potential disintermediation of banks • Cross-border CBDC interoperability issues