Cash is a contingency and fall-back solution

In Sweden, a new law came into effect on January 1st requiring banks to provide an adequate level of cash services. The central bank now says that there is no evidence that banknotes spread coronavirus.

The economic fallout of the pandemic is still in its very early stages, but the visible signs are spectacular: some industries have grinded to a complete halt; unemployment has risen massively; transaction volumes have dropped as consumers are increasingly in lockdown. So far, the impact on cash demand varies significantly from country to country.

As a growing part of the world shifts into lockdown, governments are identifying critical infrastructure industries that must continue operating to ensure public health and safety as well as national security.

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads, several central banks have now made strong statements emphasizing the importance of cash in this crisis.

As the coronavirus pandemic, spreads, it is fundamentally changing our hierarchy of values. Our perception of the future of money is now facing a new paradigm.

As the Coronavirus spreads across the globe, panic reactions are happening, including the targeting of cash which has been blamed by some media for spreading the virus. ATMIA speaks out against the scapegoating of cash.

Australians can submit damaged banknote claims, after which the Reserve Bank of Australia will determine the value of the damaged notes and provide compensation.

As bushfires devastate the south-east of Australia, many towns are suffering power, internet or phone outages. For many, cash is the only way to pay for water, food and emergency supplies.

Young Americans are leaving their mark with traces of sky-rocketing credit card debt.

Is cash condemned by cryptocurrencies, cards and other alternative payment methods?

Suffering from a massive power outage that left millions struggling under deteriorating conditions, Venezuela shows us how cash plays a critical role in emergency situations and that preserving a currency’s value is a matter of life and death

James-Shepherd Barron analyses the use of the word "cash" and "money" in the aid world and calls for a better use of payments nomenclature to avoid confusion