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Reducing child marriage is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Giving cash to low-income families in Indonesia cut child marriage rates among rural girls by 3.5 points. A major government program shows poverty reduction policies can have powerful ripple effects beyond just income.

France's National Payments Committee urges immediate action to secure future payments sovereignty amid rising geopolitical tensions. Cash is crucial for economic resilience, industrial autonomy and national sovereignty.

Estimating the number of banknotes in circulation globally is a significant challenge. Some countries do not publish the data while others only do so irregularly. Furthermore, central banks follow different practices with regard to the inclusion of lost, destroyed or unredeemed notes. The biggest discrepancies result from the inclusion or not of certain denominations such as older, unused or withdrawn denominations. The study concludes that there are significantly more than 900 billion banknotes in circulation worldwide, significantly more than the 550 billion cited in various industry papers.

In a new book 'The Power of Cash,'Jay Zagorky highlights the benefits of cash, from privacy to national security. To ensure future demand, we must expose children to cash early. Advocacy groups should focus on educating youth through classroom activities and contests.

The Riksbank supports the proposal for an obligation to accept cash in the sale of essential goods, and to strengthen the banks' responsibility for cash handling. Cash is essential for economic and social inclusion, and for the resilience of the payment system.

Cash remains vital in Germany despite declining usage. A Bundesbank study reveals its importance for reliability, inclusion, and education. While digital payments rise, cash's unique benefits ensure its continued relevance.

Despite digital payment advancements, cash remains essential for many globally, preferred even where its use is minimal. It serves as a precaution, store of value, and is crucial during crises.

On April 28, 2025, Spain Portugal and parts of France experienced a widespread electrical outage that plunged about 55 million people into a pre-electric age. The blackout had significant impacts on digital payments and cash demand, highlighting the vulnerabilities of modern payment systems during infrastructure failures.

While the media frequently report on ATM and bank closures in mature economies, the industry is simultaneously experiencing a surge of innovation. Driven by evolving needs of consumers, the ATM landscape is transforming to enhance accessibility, convenience, and security.

Beyond technicalities, cash serves as a unifying force in society that should not be underestimated.

In an era marked by growing global uncertainty, the future of cash is at a critical juncture. As digital payments and financial technologies rapidly evolve, the role of cash is being redefined. However, the focus should not merely be on adapting the cash cycle to these changes, but on proactively shaping it to ensure preparedness and resilience for the challenges ahead.

Visa and Mastercard are ramping up efforts to win over German consumers, leveraging global marketing muscle with locally resonant campaigns. Despite Germany’s traditionally cash-centric culture, both brands are pushing to shift perceptions and boost card usage through storytelling, sponsorships, and advertising.