Demand
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
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
Central Banking Awards: Perng Fai-nan recognised for lifetime achievements
The first four 2018 Central Banking Awards are unveiled – banknote and currency management, consultancy, innovation in reserve management, and lifetime achievement
Egypt’s new banknote facility to be built by G&D
German firm awarded over $300 million for successful tender which will see “majority” of Egypt’s banknotes printed at the plant
Bundesbank to begin investing in renminbi
Executive board member says the bank is considering investing in other foreign currencies
Central Bank of Kenya to challenge banknote tender nullification
Central bank to challenge ruling which revokes De La Rue’s tender win following claims of favouritism
Philippines admits to circulating ‘faceless’ banknotes
Printing error results in missing portraits on several banknotes; the central bank urges the public not to circulate the images on social media
Botswana chooses polymer for latest banknote launch
African nation partners with UK printer De La Rue for new banknote launch, opting for polymer to prolong life
SNB buys banknote company ‘to ensure its survival’
Company that provides substrate for Swiss banknotes came into liquidity difficulties following the cancellation of a tender from an international client
Sarb closes branches to optimise cash management
Inefficiencies prompt central bank to close three of its branches, while remaining three are ‘converted’ into cash centres
Denmark ‘not heading for cashless society’ – research
Central bank recognises cash transactions are in decline, but says consumers will always have the option to pay with cash
Change in fees could lead to ATM ‘deserts’ – MP Nicky Morgan
Chair of UK Treasury committee concerned that changes to ATM networks could threaten financial inclusion as cash continues to be important to 2.7 million people
Central bank demand boosting banknote sector – RBA’s Boulton
Asian security printers are showing faster growth as central banks turn to more sophisticated designs, says Lindsay Boulton
Bank of Canada paper investigates the ‘burden of coins’
Research sheds light on consumer behaviour when making low-value transactions with cash, suggesting cards more likely to be used if large amount of coins will be received
San Francisco Fed study: cash is not dead yet
Demand for notes and coins is “strong”, says the study, with cash in circulation growing in the majority of nations
Book notes: Hole in the Wall, by James Shepherd-Barron
Cash machines have changed the way cash is managed, but is there a future for such machines in a world looking to go cashless?
Mauritius governor opens new currency museum named after first governor
Museum ‘Aunauth Beejadhur’ will exhibit Mauritian currency throughout the ages, with plans to expand scope to include financial literacy at a later date
Venezuela launches new higher-denomination banknote
Banknote worth $2.50 enters circulation as estimated inflation exceeds 2,500%
New Russian banknote provokes anger in Ukraine
Ukrainian central bank prohibits institutions from handling new note, which depicts scenes from Crimea region; design was chosen by the public in 2016