Bio

Sebastian Hernandez is a Senior User Experience Specialist in the FinTech Research Department at the Bank of Canada. His research interests include accessibility of digital currency and payments.

Prior to joining the Bank he worked in the Aerospace and Defense field as a Human Factors Specialist on various projects including the Canadian Maritime Helicopter Project.

He received his M.Sc. In Applied Ergonomics and Human Factors from the University of Nottingham and a B.A.Sc. of Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Research Field(s): Digital Currency Fintech

Staff analytical notes

A central bank digital currency for offline payments

Staff Analytical Note 2023-2 Cyrus Minwalla, John Miedema, Sebastian Hernandez, Alexandra Sutton-Lalani
Offline functionality is a key consideration for a potential CBDC. We describe the different types of offline functionality based on their duration outside of network connection—either intermittent (for short periods) or extended (for longer periods). We discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each and consider implications for end-user devices, system resilience and universal accessibility.
Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical notes Topic(s): Central bank research, Digital currencies and fintech JEL Code(s): E, E4, E42, E5, E51, E58, O, O3, O31

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Staff discussion papers

Redefining Financial Inclusion for a Digital Age: Implications for a Central Bank Digital Currency

Staff Discussion Paper 2023-22 Alexandra Sutton-Lalani, Sebastian Hernandez, John Miedema, Jiamin Dai, Badr Omrane
We explore quantitative and qualitative information about Canadians who face barriers to making digital payments. We also consider the implications of ongoing digitalization for modern financial inclusion and a potential central bank digital currency.
Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers Topic(s): Accessibility, Bank notes, Central bank research, Digital currencies and fintech, Digitalization, Financial services JEL Code(s): A, A1, A14, E, E4, E42, E5, E50, I, I3, I31, O, O3, O33, O5, O51

Unmet Payment Needs and a Central Bank Digital Currency

Staff Discussion Paper 2023-15 Christopher Henry, Walter Engert, Alexandra Sutton-Lalani, Sebastian Hernandez, Darcey McVanel, Kim Huynh
We discuss the payment habits of Canadians both in the current payment environment and in a hypothetical cashless environment.
Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers Topic(s): Bank notes, Central bank research, Digital currencies and fintech, Financial services JEL Code(s): C, C1, C12, C9, E, E4, O, O5, O54

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