RBI Launches Retail Sandbox for CBDC Testing

RBI Launches Retail Sandbox for CBDC Testing

October 8 the Reserve Bank of India rolled out a retail sandbox for its central bank digital currency (CBDC). This sandbox will allow fintech firms to build and test new applications and use cases for the digital rupee in a controlled environment. 

The retail sandbox complements India’s earlier wholesale CBDC infrastructure and aims to explore how digital currency can function in retail payments, merchant interactions, and everyday transactions.
According to RBI officials, around 7 million users are already engaging with the existing CBDC ecosystem, making it one of the larger active testbeds globally. Reuters

The announcement underscores India’s cautious, phased approach to digital currency implementation, balancing innovation with regulatory oversight.