Chinese authorities are investigating Yao Qian, a key figure behind China’s central bank digital currency (CBDC) project, for suspected “violations of discipline and law”.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection confirmed the investigation on its website on April 26. Qian is head of the China Securities Regulatory Commission’s (CSRC) technology supervision department, and also leads the regulator’s information technology centre.

The CSRC’s technology supervision department is responsible