Cash does not require a technology infrastructure

A new white paper, Solving the ATM Paradox: A Policy Roadmap for the Future of Cash, co-authored by Guillaume Lepecq and Matt Sykes, exposes the alarming decline of ATM networks worldwide—despite rising demand for cash—and proposes concrete solutions to safeguard access to cash for all.

"Are banks still ‘where the money is’? Globally, legislation increasingly recognises the right to access to cash and the obligation to accept it—but fails to guarantee the infrastructure. Without binding obligations, cash risks disappearing by default, not by choice. Time to rethink financial inclusion, economic resilience and territorial equity?

Indian banks are planning to deploy 17,350 new ATMs—75% cash recyclers—over six months, led by state-run banks, to boost efficiency and fill gaps, blending tech innovation with enduring cash demand.

The Netherlands are taking bold steps to future-proof cash: stricter access laws, frozen fees, and even mandatory acceptance. The new cash resilience plan—includes a war room for crises and a public campaign urging citizens to keep cash for emergencies. This is a blueprint for the future viability of cash.

Visa and Mastercard have agreed to jointly pay $167.5m to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing them of conspiring to keep ATM access fees artificially high. The settlement, highlights antitrust concerns and the urgent need for ATM interchange fee reform to sustain ATM networks.

The fragility of IT systems has been starkly exposed by recent high-profile outages. The AWS crash in October 2025, Spain’s power outage in June 2025, and the global CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor outage in July 2024 have disrupted payment systems worldwide, costing the global economy billions annually. These incidents underscore the irreplaceable role of cash as a backup when digital payments fail.

120 ATMs are being installed in a joint initiative by the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) and the Austrian Association of Municipalities, aimed at closing gaps in the nationwide cash supply chain in rural areas. The first device was inaugurated on 1 July.

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.

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

The CashTech Innovation Awards recognize innovations that enhance access to and acceptance of cash; as well as improve the overall efficiency of the cash cycle. CashTech is at the intersection of cash and technology. It brings together innovative companies that leverage new technologies to improve cash services.

On International Women's Day, it's imperative to recognize that access to cash is not merely a financial issue but a fundamental right that underpins women's autonomy, safety, and equality. Cash serves as a tangible instrument of empowerment, enabling women to exercise control over their lives and make independent choices.