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Elsewhere on the Web provides updates and links to articles related to cash, money and payments curated on the web. This month the focus is on declining cash usage for payments and the growing threats that this poses to the economy and society.

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.

2024 marked a pivotal chapter in the evolving narrative of cash. From New Zealand’s innovative community cash trials to Germany’s National Cash Forum, efforts were made to enhance access and acceptance of cash. Research delved into its psychological and societal importance, while the Paris Olympics exposed the challenges of cashless society. This retrospective captures key moments that shaped the discourse on relevance of cash, reflecting its enduring role in fostering financial inclusion, economic stability, privacy and consumer choice.

As the number of ATMs has significantly decreased in recent years, SIX and Diebold Nixdorf are entering into a cooperation to secure the long-term cash supply through ATM pooling. However, the Swiss Post also aims to be the sole ATM operator.

A new opinion poll by Ifop for the Monnaie de Paris shows that cash remains the most trusted means of payment and that the level of attachment to cash is strengthening.

Banknote communications have developed rapidly over the last few decades and best practices have been evolving.A fully fledged banknote information campaign requires extensive resources, and central banks therefore use partnership programs to spread their messages.

While the use of cash has declined in Australia, many still rely on cash for payments, including seniors, lower-income households, migrants, and rural inhabitants.

The Cash Payments Act aims to keep cash accessible, available, and affordable in the Netherlands by mandating banks to provide essential cash services and securing continuity in cash transportation services.

The Irish government has approved the Access to Cash Bill which aims at guaranteeing reasonable access to cash, both in terms of withdrawals and lodgements, and ensuring central bank oversight over cash cycle stakeholders.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will launch and fund trials to test new ways for consumers and merchants to withdraw and deposit cash, including coins, at little or no cost.

As the holiday season approaches, the age-old question of whether to give cash or gifts becomes increasingly relevant. Beyond the joy of giving, this decision holds economic and environmental implications that are worth considering.

Cash prevails in the Palestinian economy in the form of Israeli shekels. Cross-border payments are unstable. Cash transfers will have a limited impact without humanitarian supplies to help displaced Gazans.