Cash is the first step of financial inclusion

The ATM doesn't just dispense cash, it dispenses value way beyond that of the banknotes it disgorges. They play a pivotal role in disaster risk reduction, poverty alleviation and social protection. But they could do more.

Mexico’s government is considering banning cash at gasoline and toll fee stations in a country where only 37% of adults hold a bank account while 75% of the population is underbanked.

Nigeria’s House of Representatives urged the nation’s Central Bank to suspend the implementation of the cashless policy on deposits which came into effect on 18 September 2019.

India celebrated its 73rd Independence Day on 15 August this year with Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraging businesses to put up signs welcoming digital payments and shunning cash.

The impact digital and mobile technologies have had on the financial services industry is undeniable, but innovation in the ATM self-service channel and the unique characteristics of cash will prove just as significant in the quest for greater financial inclusion.

The US Congress has published a comprehensive analysis of the state of cash in the US and explores the implications of the decline of cash usage for payments.

The UK banking and finance industry commits to helping local communities to identify and secure appropriate free access to cash for customers.

The Chancellor announced on 3 May 2019 that they are taking action to safeguard access to cash, building a sustainable infrastructure to ensure that notes and coins remains accessible to all

After initially threatening to challenge legislation forcing retailers to accept cash, Amazon Go Stores are now exploring ways to accept cash alongside its cashier-less experience, bringing financial inclusion and freedom of choice back into the payments landscape

The governor of New Jersey signed a legislation banning cashless stores, making it the second US state to prohibit retailers from refusing to accept cash.

The Access to Cash Review publishes its final report highlighting the need for UK government and regulators to take action in ensuring that no one gets left behind on the war of cash.

While a cashless society is an idea being marveled at by merchants and business owners, Philadelphia legislators are standing up for equal opportunity and financial inclusion by passing a bill that prohibits stores from going cashless.