1. Tokenized Deposits and the Digital Rupee: Comparing Emerging Digital Money Architectures
Introduction
In May 2026, developments surrounding the proposed GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act) highlighted the growing policy focus on digital forms of money in the United States. At the same time, leading global financial institutions have continued exploring tokenized deposit networks and distributed ledger-based payment infrastructure through initiatives such as Canton Network, JPM Coin, and Project Guardian.
These developments reflect a broader global shift towards digital financial infrastructure. While several jurisdictions and financial institutions are exploring tokenized commercial bank deposits and stablecoin-based ecosystems, India has adopted a distinct approach through the Reserve Bank of India's ("RBI") Central Bank Digital Currency ("CBDC"), commonly referred to as the Digital Rupee.