On October 13, 2021, the Group of Seven Nations (G7), a global forum for central banks, published 13 public policy principles for retail central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). In a joint report, the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors released the principles to ensure uniformity and promote international coordination for any public policy and regulatory issues that may arise from this developing system.

Principle 1 suggests all CBDCs must:

To succeed in fulfilling this principle, there must be sufficient built-in safeguards to protect from risks arising from the adoption of CBDCs.

Principle 2 suggests CBDC designs should be based on G7 values for the international monetary and financial system, including:

Principle 3 calls for strict standards regarding:

This principle focuses on the possibility that CBDC systems will be responsible for handling personal data, and therefore must avoid and be held accountable for any mishandling of such sensitive information.

Principle 4 focuses on achieving a secure and adaptable digital payment system so that all CBDC systems can avoid all types of fraud and other operational risks. This principle also suggests that all CBDC participants create cybersecurity strategies that comply with both national and international standards.

Principle 5 suggests:

Principle 6 emphasizes the importance of mitigating criminal activity within the CBDC system while also focusing on integrating fast, accessible, and affordable payment options. In doing so, the CBDC system must comply with:

Principle 7 suggests designing CBDCs to avoid harming international financial systems, such as monetary sovereignty and financial stability in other jurisdictions.

Principle 8 focuses on the CBDC infrastructure's impact on the environment, suggesting a new energy-efficiency standard to promote a 'net zero' economy. G7 suggests future settlement ecosystems should:

Principle 9 emphasizes the importance of CBDCs in promoting a responsible digital economy by offering an affordable, fast, and inclusive payment solution. CBDCs must ensure interoperability with other traditional and future payment systems.

Principle 10 focuses on financial inclusion. G7 states all CBDCs must:

Principle 11 states all CBDCs must provide fast, inexpensive, transparent, inclusive, and secure support of payments between authorities and the public.

Principle 12 focuses on cross-border functionality of payment systems. The G7 suggests that CBDC participants should:

Principle 13 states that all CBDCs used for international development assistance must safeguard key public policies of all participants. The G7 also suggests all issuing authorities of CBDCs must be transparent about the features, designs, and purpose of CBDCs in development assistance.