The U.S. Federal Reserve has launched its new instant payments service, FedNow, which aims to make the process of sending payments in the U.S. almost instant. Despite the Fed denying any connection to the digital asset space, experts suggest that the new system could lay the groundwork for a potential central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the U.S. However, some lawmakers and political leaders have expressed concerns about potential privacy and control risks around a digital dollar, with some even suggesting it could lead to government-sanctioned surveillance. Even banks themselves are skeptical about FedNow, criticizing the lack of leadership structure or a clear business plan, all while the system is financed through taxpayer money.