ECB scraps production of €500 note citing concern over illicit activities

Move aims to stop facilitation of crime, not help monetary policy, spokesman says

euro-banknotes
The original series of Euro banknotes, including the €500 note

The European Central Bank (ECB) is scrapping the production and issuance of €500 banknotes because of concerns about links to illegal activities, it announced on May 4.

An ECB spokesman says the move "has nothing to do with monetary policy" but is entirely motivated by concerns the banknote could facilitate illicit activities. It will cease to issue the note around the end of 2018.

He rejects any suggestion the decision is an effort to increase the effectiveness of unconventional monetary

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@centralbanking.com or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.centralbanking.com/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@centralbanking.com to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Central Banking? View our subscription options

Register for Central Banking

All fields are mandatory unless otherwise highlighted

This address will be used to create your account

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Central Banking account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account

.