News/Currency
German contactless payments rose due to Covid-19
Bundesbank board member says pandemic changed consumers’ use of debit card system
New polymer banknotes are greener and cheaper – T&T governor
Central bank plans to review coin denomination usage later this year, Alvin Hilaire says
RBNZ looks to bolster capabilities as ‘steward’ of the cash system
Central bank launches review of cash system and increases engagement with financial industry
China starts public trials of experimental CBDC
PBoC and Shenzhen local government issue digital yuan to test retail payments
Covid-19 may survive 28 days on banknotes and payment cards
New research suggests virus can survive for an extended period of time at room temperature
UK’s FCA bans crypto derivatives for retail investors
FCA says retail crypto assets have no reliable valuation basis and could increase financial crime
ECB steps up research on ‘digital euro’
Central bank analysing both centralised and decentralised options for a digital currency
UK’s access to cash policy pilots to launch in 2021
Industry body seeks permission from FCA to allow retailers to provide cashback services
Ethiopia launches new high-denomination banknote
New 200 birr note aims to curb inflation and corruption, central bank says, as Covid-19 slows growth
Nigerian central bank clamps down on alleged FX breaches
Local media reports bank accounts for 38 firms were blocked as currency remains under pressure
PBoC says it wants greater international use of renminbi
Chinese authorities hope "panda bonds" and response to Covid-19 will boost currency use – observers
Liberia puts central bank board members on trial
Former governor and board members are latest to face charges over allegedly missing banknotes
Boston Fed and MIT collaborate on digital currency research
Research results on software architecture will be released as open source
Fed picks G+D to develop ‘next-generation’ currency processing
German firm developed new prototype for the Fed to maximise speed and accuracy
Bank of Japan intensifies CBDC research
Central bank appoints new CBDC head as ruling party warns Chinese effort poses security threat
Brazil plans new note as cash demand hits record high
Central bank will introduce 200 real banknote as Brazilians start to hoard cash
Oman launches first denomination in new banknote series
New series incorporates improved security features and elements for the visually impaired
Angola to issue its first polymer banknotes
Governor says new banknote series will improve security and durability, and cut costs