Banknotes
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
2017: The year in review
Over the past year, the global economy regained some strength, and some central banks began to return their policy to normal; but it was not all smooth sailing
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
Ingves: Riksbank ‘will soon take a stance’ on e-krona
The executive board will examine whether e-krona could be the gateway to central bank money, as the decline in cash continues in Sweden
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
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
BoE introduces new counterfeit initiative for ‘front line of defence’
New checking scheme will employ “targeted training” for cash handlers while retailers will help central bank gather data on current practices
Cleland outlines uncertainty of future cash demand
BoE chief cashier says people will move away from cash, but the rate of change is uncertain
Riksbank outlines three visions of ‘e-krona’
Sweden’s central bank presents three cryptocurrency models as a solution to the payments conundrum
Zimbabwe central bank has ‘little choice’ but to increase bond notes
Research says bond-note expansion sets the country on path to de-dollarisation; rise in tobacco output and gold prices unlikely to offer sufficient liquidity relief
RBI data casts doubt on value of demonetisation
Scheme receives fresh criticism after revelation that 99% of all notes have been returned; RBI emphasises long-term benefits
Indian central bank introduces 200 rupee banknote denomination
New denomination should “facilitate exchange” for smaller transactions, RBI says
São Tomé and Príncipe redenominates currency
New banknote series sees new and old dobras swapped at 1:1,000 ratio; UK-based printer De La Rue to develop new series
Malawi central bank bolsters anti-counterfeiting with MoU
Governor says new framework will strengthen policy co-ordination between institutions
Uzbekistan launches new banknote as inflation erodes value
New 50,000 som note is five times the value of the next largest banknote; security features include raised text, colour-changing foils and windows
RBI launches economics blog
“Mint Street Memos” comprise brief reports and analysis from RBI economists; first post studies beneficial effects of demonetisation for “financialisation” of savings
BoE’s ‘difficult decision’ to stick with animal fat substrate
UK central bank rejects the palm oil alternative, despite successful trials; the decision is based on cost and sustainability concerns
Zimbabwe back to printing bond notes
Reserve bank to release an extra $300 million into the system from August to deal with forex demand; governor says bolstering regulation should help “plug” forex leakages
New coins to launch in Philippines in 2017, says deputy governor
Series will integrate new security features akin to those used in banknotes, but 10 cent will not be featured
Bank of England unveils Jane Austen £10
New banknote will be the first to include tactile features for the visually impaired; Carney says timeline for the new £20 remains on track despite polymer controversy
Madagascar launches high-denomination banknote
New banknote series will use new security features on a number of substrates, one of which has been created by Banque de France