Cash protects privacy and anonymity

The "Shaping a New Reality of Cash" conference in Warsaw delivered four lessons: cash delivers measurable value exceeding its costs, its distribution infrastructure is crumbling for reasons unrelated to demand, resilience must be built in normal times, and advocacy should sell sugar, not fear.

Russia has made its digital ruble legal tender, compulsory for the country's biggest banks and retailers — the most forceful CBDC push anywhere. So far, the public's answer has been a record boom in cash. The gap between mandated infrastructure and voluntary behaviour is the story.

The European Central Bank’s survey on the use of cash by companies reveals two insights: 92% of companies with physical points of sale accept cash in 2026—a slight rebound from the 90% recorded in 2024 ; cash is not just accepted but often preferred—outperforming digital payments on nearly every criterion, from privacy to reliability.

In a new paper 'Beyond the cost debate: A multidimensional approach to quantify the value of cash for society' Julia Pitters and Franz Seitz develop e framework to quantify the societal value of cash, measuring resilience, privacy, inclusion, financial self-control, and competition. In Germany, it amounts to approximately 1.2% of German GDP, exceeding its costs.

Do we really know what accepting payments really entails for retailers? Why are some retailers or customers reluctant to use cards? What role does cash play? Find out from retailers’ own experiences.

Cash remains a cornerstone of the US financial system, serving as a primary instrument for some, a reliable backup for others, and a store-of-value for millions proving its unique attributes – universal acceptance, anonymity and cost-efficiency - are yet to replicate.

In a new paper, Gerhard Rösl and Franz Seitz, argue that the stabilizing function of cash—especially during crises—must be preserved. However, this requires confronting not only the visible but also the hidden costs of cash and digital payments alike.

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.

With the rise of geopolitical tensions, formal international monetary flows are increasingly restricted, leaving communities in isolated or sanctioned regions dependent on informal financial networks. The case of North Korea underscores the critical role of cash in sustaining these flows.

In a new book 'The Power of Cash,'Jay Zagorky highlights the benefits of cash, from privacy to national security. To ensure future demand, we must expose children to cash early. Advocacy groups should focus on educating youth through classroom activities and contests.

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.

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.