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China expands digital yuan network with eight new authorized banks
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has expanded its digital yuan (e-CNY) network by authorizing eight new commercial banks to operate within the system. This addition brings the total number of authorized operators to 30, up from 22 following a previous expansion in April 2026.
The newly authorized institutions include Ping An Bank, Hengfeng Bank, China Bohai Bank, Bank of Shanghai, Bank of Hangzhou, Huishang Bank, Bank of Changsha, and Guangxi Beibu Gulf Bank. These banks will begin offering e-CNY services once they complete necessary technical and operational preparations. The expansion is intended to increase the inclusivity and accessibility of the digital currency, particularly for regional economies and small to medium-sized enterprises.
In related developments regarding the digital yuan's utility, Stanbic Bank Uganda has become the first financial institution in Uganda to integrate with China's Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). This allows Ugandan businesses to make direct yuan payments, reducing transaction costs and currency volatility. Additionally, the PBOC reclassified verified e-CNY wallet balances as interest-bearing deposits as of January 1, 2026, and reported that cumulative transaction volumes reached 16.7 trillion yuan by late November 2025.
Entities
China · China Bohai Bank · Hengfeng Bank · People's Bank of China · People’s Bank of China · Ping An Bank · Stanbic Bank Uganda · Standard Chartered China · e-CNY Centre International Company
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The total number of institutions authorized to operate with the digital yuan has increased to 30. www.lacronaca24.it · cryptobriefing.com · www.criptotendencias.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The expansion aims to increase the inclusivity and accessibility of digital yuan services. www.lacronaca24.it · cryptobriefing.com · www.criptotendencias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cumulative e-CNY transaction volumes reached 16.7 trillion yuan by late November 2025. cryptobriefing.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] As of January 1, 2026, verified e-CNY wallet balances are classified as interest-bearing deposits. cryptobriefing.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Newly authorized banks include Ping An Bank, Hengfeng Bank, and China Bohai Bank. www.lacronaca24.it · cryptobriefing.com · www.criptotendencias.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Authorized banks will begin offering digital yuan services after completing technical and operational preparations. www.lacronaca24.it · cryptobriefing.com · www.criptotendencias.com
- [DISPUTED] The PBOC added eight banks to the authorized digital yuan operator list. www.lacronaca24.it · cryptobriefing.com · www.criptotendencias.com
- [DISPUTED] The PBOC added 12 new banks to the digital yuan roster in April 2026. cryptobriefing.com