Banknotes
HKMA plans launch of new HK$500 note
Hong Kong Monetary Authority says banknote will enter circulation next week
Sri Lanka launches new banknote series
Central Bank of Sri Lanka series in 20 years; new edition contains several new advanced security features and first SLRs5000 denomination
Paper fault has not damaged business, says defiant De La Rue
Banknote printer insists fault which has hammered share price and fuelled takeover spat with French rival has not blighted business; discussions with RBI “ongoing”
Ex-Vietnam governor linked to Securency bribery scandal
Payments from polymer-maker Securency alleged to have been channelled to fund education of former State of Bank of Vietnam governor Le Duc Thuy's child
Oberthur drops De La Rue bid after increased offer flops
French banknote printer Oberthur Technologies abandons bid for British rival De La Rue following failure of increased offer at 935 pence per share
De La Rue rejects raised Oberthur bid
De La Rue board passes on new offer from French rival Oberthur Technologies of 935 pence per share, says bid still undervalues firm; US equity house Bain Capital reportedly backing Oberthur’s attempt
Euro counterfeits drop by 5.9%
European Central Bank statistics show 364,000 forged euro banknotes recovered in second half of 2010; €50 note remains most popular bill to fake
Oberthur seeks equity house support in De La Rue takeover bid: reports
French banknote firm Oberthur reportedly in talks to issue private equity houses with convertible bond to fund De La Rue acquisition
Oberthur given takeover deadline as De La Rue spat intensifies
French banknote printer told to “put up or shut up” by 7 February; ruling comes on the heels of efforts to force De La Rue to clarify relationship with RBI, failed November takeover bid
High inflation stirs banknote shortage in Argentina: reports
Inflationary pressures in Argentina create shortage of high-denomination banknotes forcing long queues at cash machines
Bidder calls on De La Rue to reveal details of RBI relationship
Oberthur says firm should inform shareholders about recent business with Reserve Bank of India; claims paper scandal has "undermined" ability to win new contracts as a stand-alone firm
RBA names new assistant governor for currency
Reserve Bank of Australia promotes Michele Bullock to assistant governor for currency; Bullock steps in following transfer of Bob Rankin to central bank's London office
Philippines bats away attacks of new banknote series: reports
Central Bank of the Philippines’ deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo reportedly dismisses criticisms of incorrectly rendered native bird and map on new banknotes
Brazil unveils first of new family of banknotes
Central Bank of Brazil releases second generation of R50 and R100 notes
Cobbold confirmed as De La Rue CEO
Tim Cobbold named banknote manufacturer’s new chief executive
De La Rue shares soar on Oberthur takeover bid
Banknote printer De La Rue confirms preliminary takeover bid has been made; French firm Oberthur Technologies behind the move
Sarb refutes faulty rand note claims
South African Reserve Bank says it has full confidence in currency after media reports of flawed batches of R100 notes; issue surfaces ahead of first general meeting under new central bank law
Securency chairman set for London move
RBA assistant governor Bob Rankin to become chief representative in Europe; Rankin to remain Securency chairman until polymer manufacturer sold
De La Rue set to name new chief executive
Former Chloride president Tim Cobbold is “preferred candidate”; news comes after company says paper scandal has had “significant” impact on revenues
RBA plans to sell scandal-hit Securency
Reserve Bank of Australia plans joint sale of polymer subsidiary following alleged bribery scandal
SNB: immigrants reduce seigniorage
Swiss National Bank study shows increase in immigration reduces seigniorage for banknotes
Bank to increase £5 notes in circulation
Bank of England will increase number of smallest banknotes in circulation; will also increase number of automated tellers dispensing the note
Czech National Bank withdraws smallest banknote
Czech National Bank says Kc50 note will be replaced with coin in April; cites cost of replacing notes and change in value
UK arrests two in Securency raids
Officials take two men into custody in Securency graft probe as coordinated raids unfold in Australia, Britain and Spain