**News Flash: CBDCs May Not Be the Financial Inclusion Solution We Hoped For**

Recent research suggests that Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) might not be the financial inclusion game-changer many expected. Data from 2019 to 2023 indicates that countries adopting CBDCs, particularly higher-income nations, haven't seen significant economic benefits like GDP growth or reduced inflation. Surprisingly, CBDCs appear to negatively impact well-being, especially among young and low-income individuals. This challenges the narrative that CBDCs are a cure-all for economic issues, highlighting the need for careful design and regulation to mitigate risks.