Currency
Zim’s Mangudya slams media amid reports of deepening crisis
Zimbabwe governor says "false" social media reports are direct attempt to discredit government and central bank efforts
Physical currency is still necessary and relevant, says BNM deputy
Deputy governor of Bank Negara Malaysia says cash is a key branding tool of central banks; BNM is in the process of building a new modern mint
SNB launches next new banknote alongside updated app
New 20-franc note incorporates the theme of light not only in design but also in identification of security features; Kurz foil element once again integrated
UK’s Royal Mint challenges coin-note boundary
Director for circulating coin claims new feature will allow the new £1 coin to challenge low-denomination banknotes in terms of security
BoJ’s Nakaso says digital currencies would allow ‘wider access’ to payments
Replacing banknotes with digital currencies would be “extreme”, deputy governor says, but would allow “wider access” to central bank payment infrastructure
DLT not ‘mature enough’ for eurozone usage, ECB says
ECB’s annual report explores progress with distributed ledger technology, emphasising it is still in its infancy; DLT could eventually be used for Europe’s payment and securities settlement systems
HKMA investing in digital currency prototype
HKMA continues to build on its DLT research through digital currency venture with commercial banks; previous projects show potential to improve efficiency and transparency
RBA opens new ‘highly secure’ banknote vault
Australian central bank makes first investment in banknote storage and distribution in over a decade; Lowe says public have come to “rely” on “secure and high-quality” banknotes
ECB set for €50 note launch
The European Central Bank is to launch the fourth banknote in the new Europa series on April 4; the new note will retain design elements from previous series, but will feature revamped security features
BoE considers palm oil as tallow alternative for polymer notes
Bank of England issues polymer consultation after tallow controversy; palm oil will add £5 million to printing costs if adopted
UK launches new £1 coin
New £1 is the “world’s most secure coin”, mint claims, integrating new security features previously used solely for banknotes; businesses have until October 2017 to recalibrate machines
IMF working paper examines the impact of “de-cashing” on monetary policy
IMF working paper examines the impact of “de-cashing” on monetary policy, claiming transmission would become “easier” and “faster”
MAS considers revising limits on coin payments
Singapore central bank mulls blanket restriction of 10 coins per denomination in a single transaction; new arrangement would align the country with Norway and Switzerland