Colombia Launches Stealth CBDC Pilot on Cosmos Network, Targeting Cross-Border Payments

B. Ali
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During a recent interview, Maghnus Mareneck, co-CEO of Interchain Labs, revealed that Colombia is quietly running a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot on the Cosmos network. The project, which had been operating in stealth mode, is now publicly acknowledged and targets cross-border payments as its primary use case.

With this move, Colombia becomes the latest Latin American country to explore sovereign blockchain-based financial solutions, joining Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia in the regional push for digital currency innovation.

Colombia’s CBDC Pilot Highlights Cross-Border Ambitions and Secure Sovereign Control

According to Mareneck, the Colombian government is working with a group of banks to test a digital version of their currency called a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The goal of this test is to fix problems with sending money across borders. They will use a technology called Cosmos’ IBC Eureka protocol because it is flexible and secure.

Mareneck highlighted how important it is for a country to control its own technology. Cosmos allows governments to use a trusted group of validators, like national institutions and banks, instead of relying on public blockchain networks that anyone can join.

This method helps solve worries about data security and control, especially with the rise of global cyber threats. Mareneck explained, “If your blockchain only has validators you trust, then you only need to trust the people you send money to, not anyone else.”

Cosmos Network Gains Institutional Traction Amid Rising CBDC Interest in Latin America

The use of Cosmos in Colombia’s CBDC pilot significantly boosts the network’s profile as a viable solution for sovereign digital currency infrastructure. With the ability to operate privately while maintaining interoperability, Cosmos positions itself as a strategic choice for central banks looking to modernize financial systems without sacrificing control.

This move places Colombia alongside other Latin American nations like Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, which are also advancing CBDC research and development. The stealth nature of Colombia’s pilot until now reflects the government’s cautious yet determined approach toward digital currency implementation.

Regional Shift Toward Blockchain Sovereignty Likely to Accelerate Institutional Adoption

Colombia’s initiative not only signals growing trust in permissioned blockchain networks but also reflects a broader regional trend toward sovereign blockchain governance. By using Cosmos, Colombia demonstrates how nations can maintain full control over their financial systems while exploring cutting-edge solutions for cross-border payments.

This development is expected to inspire further experimentation across Latin America and could attract greater institutional interest in interoperable blockchain ecosystems like Cosmos. As countries prioritize digital transformation and financial inclusion, Colombia’s stealth CBDC pilot may pave the way for broader regional adoption of sovereign blockchain technologies.

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