Currency
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