Cash is a public good

The digitisation of payment instruments increases the number of people in a situation of monetary exclusion. Digital payments have become essential to fully participate in socio-economic activities, although they are not accessible to all.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we look back at the essential role of cash in promoting gender equality.

As an increasing number of central banks investigate the opportunity and feasibility of a CBDC, it appears that they are not a silver bullet and present both pros and cons. The key to their success comes from properly designing these digital currencies and the core motivations and use cases behind their adoption.

Despite the massive adoption of mobile payments in China, cash in circulation grew rapidly in 2022.

Elsewhere on the Web provides links to articles on cash, money, and retail payments.

On January 1, Croatia became the 20th member of the euro area. Euro banknotes and coins started circulating in the economy, and the Hrvatska Narodna Banka joined the Eurosystem and the Single Supervisory Mechanism.

Queen Elizabeth II’s passing marked the beginning of a complex redesign and updating of banknotes and coins in the United Kingdom and many countries worldwide.

The European Council proposed to impose a limit of €10,000 on cash payments throughout the bloc, but the measure has yet to be accepted.

Two articles by leading economists announce the swan song for bitcoin. Both have triggered a spate of reactions. Here is what they have in common.

Debates on citizens' constitutional right to use cash occur in courts and public arenas worldwide.

The digitalisation of money negatively impacts social cohesion and financial inclusion. With digitalisation, the monetary system becomes more a private good than a public one – and one that risks leaving the most vulnerable behind.

The Department of Finance Retail Banking Review highlights the increasing pressure on the cash infrastructure due to closing of bank branches and ATMs. It recommends a legislative framework to ensure reasonable access to cash.