Currency
Hong Kong filmmakers found guilty of possession of fake banknotes
The banknotes were props in an award-winning film; HK filmmakers association called the conviction a “big joke”
Cash usage in Switzerland below eurozone average – SNB survey
SNB’s first payments study finds 70% of transactions processed in cash in 2017
Strike halts Australian banknote production
Unions reject 2% offer and point to governor’s call for higher wage increases
Riksbank looks for new banknote supplier as Crane Currency moves out
Swedish central bank surprised by Crane Currency’s transfer of operations to Malta
Denomination matters for banknote demand – paper
Bank of Canada paper finds people make different choices when holding high-value banknotes
Dollar may soon give breathing space to emerging economies
Global growth, higher US debts and a tighter ECB policy could weigh on the currency
Bank of Israel files first civil lawsuit against counterfeiters
Counterfeiters already convicted of forging “tens of thousands” of the new 200-shekel note; central bank seeking €100,000 in compensation
Bank of Canada paper offers advice on digital currency policy
Framework designed to help policymakers weigh up various forms of digital money
Central banks: the economy’s emergency responders
When economic infrastructure is destroyed during natural disasters, central banks spring into action, engaging contingency plans to ensure the economy continues to run
RBI scrambles to respond to ‘spurt’ in cash demand
Central bank denies currency shortage but says note printing has been ramped up
Video Q&A: Antonio Riccio, Landqart
Antonio Riccio, vice-president, sales and marketing at Landqart, discusses the future outlook and most recent changes in banknote production and how hybrid substrates and polymer have improved security, durability, cost efficiency and public recognition
High-denomination notes still needed, says De La Rue
Banknote firm says high denominations make up an increasingly large proportion of banknotes in circulation thanks to inflation
Venezuela set to launch another currency series
New banknotes redenominate currency amid rapid inflation; series will launch in June after demonetisation of old series
New South African president supports pan-African currency
Cyril Ramaphosa says it is time Africa abandons “colonial mentality” and adopts common currency to foster investment and intra-African trade
UK considers scrapping some currency denominations
Decline in cash usage has seen the 1p and 2p coins largely fall out of circulation
BIS research finds ‘scant evidence’ of shift away from cash
Rise of electronic payments is not reflected in falling demand for cash
Lithuania to launch ‘digital’ commemorative coin
Central bank will host a “hackathon” to decide on technology to underpin the digital asset
Canada’s polymer versus paper substrate cycle
Empirical evidence indicates the switch to a polymer substrate has improved the lifespan of Canadian banknotes, write Ramesh Paskarathas, Lynne Graaskamp, Erik Balodis and Theodoros Garanzotis
Sweden must ask fundamental questions on money – Ingves
Sveriges Riksbank governor Stefan Ingves says lawmakers must act to preserve the regulation of the payments system
UK firm chosen for Fed cash management overhaul
CPS will take part in “competitive development” to replace high-speed cash-processing machines; firm’s software already used by Norges Bank
Denmark selects Oberthur Fiduciaire as banknote supplier
The agreement will last four years, and the first notes printed by the firm are set to enter circulation in 2020
Seychelles’ rusty rupees to be replaced
Prolonged exposure to salt water has led to rust and erosion of previous series of coins, released in 2016; UK’s Royal Mint to produce new composite coins
Consultancy and advisory provider of the year (currency management): De La Rue
The UK-based company is helping central banks monitor the lifespan of banknotes in a bid to improve stock management and cost-effectiveness of currency operations
Banknote and currency services provider of the year: Landqart
The leading hybrid substrate provider offers the durability and increased security of polymer combined with the security features and customer familiarity of paper