Why does electronic money remain only a dead concept?

Abstract

The term electronic money operates in two meanings. The first meaning refers to all types of pay- ment innovations, at least partly based on information infrastructure. 14 years ago, narrowly trimmed definition of electronic money was established. Based on legal documents it refers to specific type of payment innovations, transferring money values directly between electronic money instruments, pos- sessed by the sides of the payment. Narrowly established concept of electronic money seemed to start a new period in the contemporary history of money. Its effect would be the substitution of traditional, paper-based cash, with its electronic equivalent. Unfortunately, the experience of the past several years did not confirm those expectations. The concept of electronic money has failed in practice. Many aspects of that state could be taken into account (social, legal, technical, business). It seems however, that crucial factors come from monetary sphere. These are just monetary aspects which seem to stop central banks from strong support of a new idea of electronic cash.