Innovations emphasize financial inclusionA process by which individuals and businesses can access appropriate, affordable, and timely financial products and services. These include banking, loan, equity, and insurance products. While it is recognised that not all individuals need or want financial services, the goal of financial inclusion is to remove all barriers, both supply side and demand side. Supply side barriers stem from financial institutions themselves. They often indicate poor financial infrastructure, and include lack of ne... More, sustainable cash managementManagement and control of cash in circulation. More, and the critical role of cashMoney in physical form such as banknotes and coins. More infrastructure in the payments landscape. The awards highlight the growing importance of cash-digital interoperability, judged by industry experts. The 2025 edition builds on the legacy of previous awards, underscoring the evolution of CashTechThe expression was first coined by CashEssentials and is the encounter of cash and technology. It brings together innovative companies who leverage software and modern communications technology to improve cash services: access to cash; acceptance of cash; and the efficiency of the cash cycle for all stakeholders. More in advancing an accessible, resilient, and sustainable cash ecosystems.
The 2025 CashTech Innovation Awards, presented by CashEssentials honour organizations at the forefront of transforming the cash ecosystem and financial inclusion through innovation. As the financial landscape evolves, the awards spotlight pioneering solutions that ensure cash remains accessible, secure, and integrated with digital paymentA transfer of funds which discharges an obligation on the part of a payer vis-à-vis a payee. More systems. This year’s winners exemplify how technology can modernize cash infrastructure, optimize logisticsThe term originates from military language and refers to the movement and provisioning of troops at war. In today’s business vocabulary, it refers to the management in particular, the transportation, storage and distribution of finished goods. More, and bridge the gap between physical and digital finance.
The CashTech Innovation Awards recognize significant advancements in leveraging digital technology to ensure a sustainable, reliable, and accessible future for cash. The awards celebrate companies and institutions that innovate to improve cash services, including access to cash, acceptance of cash by retailers, and the efficiency of the cash cycleRepresents the various stages of the lifecycle of cash, from issuance by the central bank, circulation in the economy, to destruction by the central bank. More for all stakeholders.
The 2025 awards were presented at the Future of Cash Conference in Warsaw, on November 5, 2025. This conference brings together central bank representatives, financial institutions, retailers, cash management companiesCompanies specialized in the logistical handling of cash including several of the following operations: transportation, storage, counting and processing, packaging, replenishment and servicing of ATMs. See Cash-in-Transit. More, technology providers, and suppliers to explore innovative strategies for shaping the future of cash. The judging panel consists of Prof. Franz Seitz, Weiden Technical University of Applied Sciences; John Winchcombe, CurrencyThe money used in a particular country at a particular time, like dollar, yen, euro, etc., consisting of banknotes and coins, that does not require endorsement as a medium of exchange. More & Payments Consultant at Reconnaissance and Guillaume Lepecq, Chair of CashEssentials.
The awards emphasize the growing importance of innovation to ensure a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future for cash.
Initiative: “ATMs for Austria” – A nationwide expansion of the ATM infrastructure to close gaps in rural areas to enhance accessibility, financial inclusion, and security.
OeNB’s initiative aims to deploy 120 ATMs across Austria over the next two years, focusing on rural communities where access to cash is limited. This modernization effort ensures that 66.9% of the population has access to an ATM within one kilometer, 82.6% within two kilometers, and 97.1% within five kilometers.
Why They Won: The “ATMs for Austria” initiative addresses the critical need for financial inclusion by ensuring nationwide access to cash, especially in underserved rural areas.The main goal of OeNB was therefore not only to maintain the already very good supply of cash in Austria by commercial banks but to enhance the accessibility of cash supporting all age groups and population segments and therefore the resilience of the cash cycle. OeNB acknowledges that it is important as a central bank to be more active in the cash cycle and to enter new ways of cooperation, including cost coverage, based on solid scientific principles.
“Cash as the core product of central banks is the most popular means of payment in Austria—safe, private, modern and inclusive. As OeNB, it is our central concern to enable public access to cash nationwide, especially in rural areas. Both the widespread acceptance and wide availability of cash in everyday life are essential pillars supporting financial inclusion and economic stability. Oesterreichische Nationalbank
Initiative: In-house cash-handling and logistics operation optimizing cost efficiency, sustainability, and real-time cash management.
Bankomat AB, operating over 60% of Sweden’s cash machines, has developed an integrated cash logistics system that includes secure vaults, avehicle fleet, and a vetted workforce. This initiative brings cash-in-transit services in-house for the first time in over a decade, enhancing operational control and efficiency.
Why They Won: Bankomat AB’s initiative significantly improves the efficiency, reliability, and security of cash transportation and handling. By insourcing cash logistics, Bankomat reduces costs, increases operational efficiency, and ensures sustainable cash management, which is crucial for maintaining cash access in Sweden’s diverse geographic and economic landscape.
“Our new in-house cash logistics operation represents a major step toward ensuring cash remains accessible and secure across Sweden. By controlling the entire cash supply chain, we enhance efficiency and sustainability, supporting financial inclusion and the smooth functioning of cash services.” Bankomat AB.
Initiative: Branchless digital infrastructure enabling seamless conversion between cash and digital currency in Latin America.
Muney App is a collaborative platform that connects users and businesses, enabling secure deposits, withdrawals, and cash transactions through a network of affiliated businesses (Muney U). The app leverages stablecoins to facilitate seamless and transparent transactions, bridging the gap between digital currency and cash.
Why They Won: Muney App’s innovation addresses the critical need for financial inclusion in Latin America, where a significant portion of the population remains unbanked or underbanked. By enabling secure and easy conversion between cash and digital currency, Muney App empowers users to participate in the digital economy while maintaining access to cash.
“Muney App is committed to providing a secure, easy-to-use financial alternative that bridges digital and physical finance. Our platform enables users to manage their moneyFrom the Latin word moneta, nickname that was given by Romans to the goddess Juno because there was a minting workshop next to her temple. Money is any item that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular region, country or socio-economic context. Its onset dates back to the origins of humanity and its physical representation has taken on very varied forms until the appearance of metal coins. The banknote, a typical representati... More confidently, ensuring financial inclusion and accessibility in Latin America’s diverse markets.” Muney App.
“The 2025 CashTech Innovation Awards highlight the remarkable progress in integrating digital technology with cash infrastructure to ensure a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive financial ecosystem. The winners exemplify how innovation can modernize cash services, support financial inclusion, and bridge the gap between digital and physical finance.” said Guillaume Lepecq.
“The 2025 CashTech Innovation Awards showcase how visionary organizations are redefining the role of cash in a digital world. Each winner demonstrates that innovation is not just about efficiency—it’s about ensuring that no one is left behind as financial systems evolve. These initiatives prove that cash and digital payments can and should coexist, creating a more inclusive and resilient financial and payment ecosystem for everyone.” said Franz Seitz.
“Since 2023, we have seen a growing recognition of the importance of cash-digital interoperability. The 2025 winners demonstrate the role of technology in building confidence in the future of cash, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the financial landscape.” said John Winchcombe