On February 10th and 11th, 2025, France will host the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, gathering Heads of State and Government, leaders of international organizations, CEOs of small and large companies, representatives of academia, NGOs, artists, and members of civil society. India will co-chair the Summit, which builds on the momentum generated by the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea, which organized the previous two Summits.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than just an industrial and technological revolution. It has the potential to bring about a profound paradigm shift in our societies, in how we relate to knowledge, work, information, culture, and even language.” — Artificial Intelligence Action Summit
AI is often compared to historical milestones like the invention of the printing press or the Industrial Revolution due to its transformative potential. If these predictions prove correct, AI will likely have a pivotal impact on the forms and functions of 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.
To explore this, we questioned three generative AI tools—ChatGPT, Deepseek, and Mistral “le Chat”—about the future viability of cashMoney in physical form such as banknotes and coins. More. Here’s what they had to say.
AI Can Contribute to the Future Viability of Cash
AI can enhance the viability of cash in society by improving its accessibility, security, and efficiency. Here are some key ways AI can support cash:
- Enhancing Cash Distribution and 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
- Smart Cash Forecasting: AI can predict cash demand at ATMs and bank branches, optimizing cash distribution and reducing shortages or excess storage.
- Efficient Cash Handling: AI-driven automation in cash processing centers can streamline counting, sortingProcess of fitness sorting of banknotes by their condition of use. Through this process, used banknotes are classified as fit or unfit to return into the circulation. See Processing of banknotes. More, and counterfeitThe reproduction or alteration of a document or security element with the intent to deceive the public. A counterfeit banknote looks authentic and has been manufactured or altered fraudulently. In most countries, currency counterfeiting is a criminal offence under the criminal code. More detection.
- ATM Optimization: AI can help in the strategic placement and maintenance of ATMs by analyzing usage patterns to ensure they are well-stocked and operational.
- Strengthening Security and Fraud Prevention
- Counterfeit Detection: AI can analyze banknotes using machine learning to identify fake 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 with high precision.
- ATM Security: AI-powered surveillance can monitor ATMs to detect suspicious activities, preventing fraud and vandalism.
- Fraudulent Transactions: AI can analyze transaction patterns in real-time to detect fraudulent activities, enhancing the security of cash transactions.
- Smart Safes: AI can be used in smart safes to automatically count, authenticate, and track cash deposits, reducing theft risks and improving efficiency.
- Surveillance and Monitoring: AI-powered surveillance systems can enhance the security of cash-in-transit vehicles and storage facilities by detecting suspicious activities in real-time.
- Improving 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
- AI-Powered Banking Services: AI chatbots and voice assistants can guide individuals who prefer cash transactions in managing their finances.
- Cash-Linked Digital Solutions: AI can facilitate offline or hybrid paymentA transfer of funds which discharges an obligation on the part of a payer vis-à-vis a payee. More solutions that bridge cash with digital banking for underserved populations.
- Accessibility for Underserved Populations: AI can help design systems that make cash more accessible in remote or underserved areas, such as mobile ATMs or optimized cash delivery services.
- Personalized Financial Services: AI can analyze spending patterns and provide tailored financial advice to individuals who primarily use cash, helping them manage their finances better.
- Supporting Cash-Friendly Businesses
- AI-Powered POSAbbreviation for “point of sale”. See Point-of-Sale terminal. More Systems: Businesses can use AI-driven analytics to manage cash transactions efficiently while integrating with digital finance tools.
- Dynamic Pricing Models: AI can help businesses determine optimal pricing strategies that balance cash and digital payment preferences.
- Consumer Behavior Analysis
- Cash Preference Insights: AI can analyze consumer behavior to understand why certain groups prefer cash, allowing businesses and governments to address underlying reasons (e.g., privacy concerns, lack of digital literacy) and develop strategies to support cash users.
- Environmental Impact Reduction
- Sustainable Cash ManagementManagement and control of cash in circulation. More: AI can optimize the lifecycle of banknotes, from production to destruction, reducing waste and environmental impact by predicting when banknotes need replacement.
- Education and Awareness
- AI-Driven Financial Literacy Programs: AI can create personalized educational content to help people understand the benefits and risks of using cash and how to use it safely and effectively.
- Optimizing Government and Central Bank Policies
- Data-Driven Policy Decisions: AI can analyze cash usage trends to inform policies that maintain cash viability while ensuring economic stability.
- Impact Assessment: AI can model the economic and social impact of reducing or maintaining cash usage, helping stakeholders understand the implications of their decisions.
- Tax and Compliance Monitoring: AI can assist in identifying cash-based economic activities to prevent tax evasion and illicit financial flows.
By leveraging AI, cash can remain a viable payment methodSee Payment instrument. More while coexisting with digital transactions, ensuring financial inclusivity and security.
AI also Poses Threats to Cash
AI presents several potential threats to the viability of cash in society, particularly by accelerating the shift toward digital payments and increasing financial surveillance. Here are some key risks:
- Acceleration of Digital Payment Adoption
- AI-powered fintech solutions, such as digital wallets and cryptocurrencies, make digital transactions faster, more convenient, and often cheaper than cash.
- AI-driven customer behavior analysis encourages businesses and consumers to adopt cashless payment methods, reducing the demand for physical currency.
- Increased Financial Surveillance & Reduced Anonymity
- AI enhances the ability of governments and corporations to track financial transactions, which could lead to restrictions on cash usage for tax collection or anti-money laundering efforts.
- Some AI-driven systems may treat cash transactions as suspicious, leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory pressure that discourages cash use.
- AI-Powered Banking & Fintech Innovations
- AI-driven neobanks and financial services operate with minimal reliance on cash, encouraging users to transition entirely to digital platforms.
- AI-based credit scoring and lending models often rely on digital transaction histories, making it harder for individuals who primarily use cash to access financial services.
- Reduction of Cash Infrastructure
- AI-optimized banking services may reduce the number of ATMs and cash-handling facilities, making cash less accessible.
- Businesses using AI-driven financial management systems may prefer digital transactions, leading to fewer cash-friendly businesses.
- Public Perception & AI Bias
- AI-driven marketing and recommendation systems may reinforce the perception that digital payments are superior, marginalizing cash users.
- AI bias in financial services could disadvantage individuals who prefer cash, potentially limiting their financial opportunities.
- Advanced Image and Print Replication
- AI-powered image processing can enhance the quality of counterfeit banknotes by improving resolution, color matching, and texture replication.
- Generative AI models can analyze high-quality images of genuine banknotes and recreate sophisticated forgeries with improved accuracy.
A Human Conclusion
The transformative potential of AI across various societal dimensions, including its impact on the future of cash, is evident. While AI offers promising avenues to enhance the viability of cash, it also presents significant challenges that must be addressed thoughtfully.
- Evolution, Not Revolution: The integration of AI in cash management is likely to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. This incremental approach, while beneficial, reflects the limited capacity of AI to imagine truly innovative solutions that could fundamentally alter the role of cash in society.
- AI and Cash Obsolescence: It is unlikely that AI developments will prioritize the viability of cash. Instead, the focus on digital innovations will likely contribute to portraying cash as an obsolete form of payment, accelerating the shift towards digital money.
- Data and Privacy Concerns: The “elephant in the room” remains the issue of data and privacy. As Shoshana Zuboff warns, the rise of surveillance capitalism poses significant threats to personal autonomy and privacy. The increased use of AI in financial transactions could exacerbate these concerns exponentially, making it crucial to implement robust privacy protections and preserve cash.
- Preserving the Unique Attributes of Cash: While AI can contribute to making cash more accessible, accepted, available, and affordable, it is essential for the cash community to preserve its unique attributes. These include universality, inclusion, protection of privacy, and resilience. By doing so, cash can continue to serve as a reliable and inclusive payment method, coexisting with digital innovations while safeguarding the interests of all users.
In conclusion, leveraging AI to support the viability of cash requires a balanced approach that embraces technological advancements while preserving the essential qualities that make cash a vital component of our financial ecosystem.