Currency
Swiss National Bank bolsters security features of first banknote in new series
The new series printed on three-layered substrate boasts a range of new security features; Sfr50 enters circulation on April 12
Redesigned digital currency could keep central banks in control
Researchers at UCL launch “RSCoin” idea, highlighting its superiority over bitcoin; new digital currency framework would be controlled by central banks
UK mint starts production of ‘ground-breaking’ pound coins
Elements from the emblems of all four UK nations will feature on reverse of the coin; details of certain counterfeiting features revealed
Canadian public put forward women for spot on new banknote
Bank of Canada to launch new polymer banknote in 2018 featuring an “iconic” Canadian woman; Nellie McClung announced as first nomination
Tighter quality standards on banknotes not needed, DNB paper suggests
The Netherlands Bank maintains the European minimum standard for sorting euro banknotes, as study sees no reason to impose stricter requirements
Sarb seeks release of banknotes from detained plane
The South African Reserve Bank confirms an aircraft carrying a consignment of banknotes has been detained in Zimbabwe, after the discovery of a dead body
Emerging markets leading the way in cutting-edge payments innovations, UK report finds
Mobile payments embraced in emerging markets where banking infrastructure lags; Kenya’s M-Pesa system handles flows equivalent to a quarter of nation's GNP
ECB ‘actively considering’ whether to scrap €500 note, Cœuré says
Executive board member says he finds arguments in favour of keeping highest denomination note ‘less and less convincing’, as evidence mounts of its role in corruption and crime
Innovative print techniques are key for new Georgian banknotes
National Bank of Georgia launches two denominations from first new series for 20 years; dedicated website accompanies the launch
Bank of Russia holds after oil prices enter ‘risk scenario’
The falling oil price puts Russia at increased risk of recession while inflationary pressures grow, the Bank of Russia says, as it keeps its policy rate unchanged
Analysts see Hong Kong peg under scrutiny
Hong Kong dollar reached lowest level in nearly a decade this week, putting long-standing peg ‘under fresh scrutiny' and prompting fears of possible attack