Demand
Ink rubbing off notes ‘quite normal’, says Zimbabwe governor
Despite public outcry, governor says bond notes have so far been a success; launch of second tranche to bring total value of bond notes in circulation to $17 million
Venezuela central bank launches new banknotes amid soaring inflation
The bolivar has weakened to unprecedented levels as inflation soars and political instability engulfs the nation; new note series’ highest denomination is 200 times larger than current highest
Bank of Korea embarks on ‘coinless society’ project
Central bank wants to eradicate use of coins by 2020; first stage of the project to use electronic travel passes to pay for goods and services
Bundesbank unveils blockchain settlement system
Prototype system able to transfer digital coins or securities as well as settling “basic corporate actions”; Deutsche Bundesbank to continue working on project to create a test concept
RBI moves to soak up liquidity generated by cash crisis
Deposits of old banknotes have led to surge in liquidity, which is now showing up as pressure on the bond market
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe releases ‘bond notes’ amid public anger
Bond notes to be released in smaller denominations first, central bank explains, to help reassure general public; social media reflects fears over new currency with some retailers already refusing to accept it
RBI forms task force as cash crisis continues
Authorities find ATMs must be recalibrated to accept new notes, hampering efforts to respond to cash shortages
Reserve Bank of Malawi issues new highest denomination banknote
Central bank issues new denomination as inflation and depreciation continue; 2,000 kwacha note will enter circulation next month
India scraps two banknotes overnight
The joint initiative by the central bank and government will replace two highest denominations with a new Rs500 and Rs2000, entering circulation tomorrow after an unscheduled bank holiday
RBI to force banks to dispense low-denomination notes
Reserve Bank of India says banks must now set a proportion of ATMs to dispense only lower-value notes, after earlier efforts prove inadequate
Malaysia has work to do to improve renminbi hub status – assistant governor
Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid says deepening Malaysian renminbi markets is a priority, and the central bank has plans to offer support
Philippines central bank adopts renminbi as reserve asset
Central bank joins a cohort of countries adopting the Chinese currency as a standalone asset; governor says it is an important development for a nation so dependent on Chinese trade
Book notes: The curse of cash, by Kenneth S Rogoff
A well-written book and sincerely argued, but it is based on weak economic analysis and inadequate economic and political history
Serbian central bank report indicates slow progress on reversing ‘euroisation’
Most loans and deposits in the country are still denominated in foreign currency, National Bank of Serbia report shows
Inclusion of renminbi in SDR is ‘symbolic’, says Bernanke
Former Fed chair sees inclusion of renminbi in SDR basket as a ‘symbolic’ gesture rather than a major shift; Eswar Prasad argues currency will never be a safe haven
Mark Carney: it would ‘make sense’ to get rid of UK penny
“What’s the point of the penny?” – children quiz BoE governor; Carney says as inflation rises, there might be reason to abolish the low-value coin
Zimbabwe to print $75 million in ‘bond notes’ in 2016
Reserve bank to issue US dollar-“equivalent” notes despite criticism from the general public; incentive facility to be backed by Afrimexbank
Fiat currencies stand firm against bitcoin
The cryptocurrency is a victim of its own success as strong demand pushes its price up, increasing speculative flows
Volatility in virtual currencies will not deter usage – new research
Model implies exchange rate will become less volatile as virtual currency becomes more established, questioning idea that volatility will impede use
De La Rue boosts Africa presence with Kenya deal
Kenyan factory to be turned into production “centre for excellence”; printer hopes new equipment installed at site will increase banknote production by 50%
National Bank of Denmark sells stake in cash-handler BKS
Central bank official says organisation succeeded in ending spate of violent robberies, so there is no longer a need for the National Bank to be involved
Indian train robbery sees nearly $1m in soiled banknotes snatched
Soiled banknotes destined for the RBI stolen from train on the way back from Salem; police investigating incident
Co-operation: The competitive edge against counterfeiting
A collaborative approach to banknote projects with trustworthy partners frees up time and resources, pools and mitigates risk, and helps to fulfil the most demanding expectations from stakeholders and the public. Most importantly, it decisively stiffens…
Sarb mulling changes to cash distribution process
South African Reserve Bank review finds ‘inefficiencies’ in current framework; changes could include alterations to the bank’s ‘branch footprint’ and supply chain