Cash generates security

The digital revolution promised convenience, efficiency, and progress, but as cyber threats, addiction, and social fragmentation rise, its dark side is becoming impossible to ignore. Can a hybrid payment future truly balance digital innovation with cash resilience? And as cash usage declines, who will fund the infrastructure that keeps it viable? The future of payments demands a radical rethinking of how we preserve inclusion, trust, and choice.

New York State’s 2026 law mandating cash acceptance marks a turning point for financial inclusion, joining a national movement to protect consumers’ right to pay with cash amid growing concerns over equity and payment system resilience.

Ethiopia is apparently done waiting on foreign firms to print its cash. At the Finance Forward 2026 conference in Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made it official: the country is moving to print its own currency. For decades, the Ethiopian birr has been produced overseas, but the government is now betting that ‘monetary sovereignty’ is worth the massive upfront investment.

The Banque de France, OeNB, and Banco de Portugal form a strategic alliance to secure cash sovereignty. The alliance forges resilient banknote production, blending innovation with tradition to safeguard the euro’s future in an unstable world

UK banks announced plans to create a domestic alternative to Visa and Mastercard, aiming to reduce dependence on US payment networks and enhance financial resilience. This initiative is part of a broader global trend toward monetary sovereignty, accelerated by the election of Donald Trump and geopolitical tensions. The future of payments is expected to be hybrid, with cash playing a crucial role alongside digital innovations.

Nearly 1 in 4 women in France experience economic violence from their partners, often as an initial form of abuse. 28% of women in a relationship lack a personal bank account. 72% of women suffering economic violence also endure verbal or physical abuse, illustrating the interconnected nature of these violences. Cash remains a critical resource enabling women to escape abusive relationships when digital finances are controlled or monitored. Cash accessibility must be preserved to ensure immediate autonomy.

Over the past two years (2023–2025), the world has faced persistent geopolitical conflicts, economic volatility, and climate-related disruptions. In such an environment, cash, gold, and cryptocurrencies have all experienced increased demand—not for transactional purposes, but as stores of value in times of uncertainty.

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.

Ever walked from an ATM without your cash? Read how a human touch can transform the experience.

Cash is making a comeback! Recent data shows a shift from decline to plateau in cash payments. Despite digital growth, cash remains essential in our payment systems.

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.

A new OECD paper highlights the importance of balancing digital innovation with the enduring need for cash. By adopting comprehensive policies and initiatives, governments can ensure that all segments of society have access to reliable and secure payment methods, fostering financial inclusion and stability in the digital age.