Central Bank

Even if political and monetary reforms had a major impact during the second half of the 20th century, the main reason for issuing new banknote series or an upgrade has been the security enhancement of the notes. The constant efforts of the industry have provided good opportunities for this. The issuers can select between various substrates and use several different optically variable features to make the reproduction of the notes difficult.

The Deutsche Bundesbank has established the National Cash Forum, gathering representatives of the banking industry, retail trade, consumer protection, the CIT industry, and vending machine operators to preserve cash as an efficient and widely used means of payment in a changing payment landscape.

The Riksbank calls for urgent action to strengthen cash's position and access, to guarantee financial and social inclusion, and to ensure civil preparedness. Retailers should be obliged to accept cash as payment for essential goods. Banks should be obliged to accept consumer cash deposits.

ATMs and bank branches have declined in South Korea since the mid-2010s. The central bank has spearheaded CashTech initiatives to improve the public’s access to cash.

Cash in circulation in Russia has expanded dramatically since the Ukraine invasion. In June 2023, the demand for rubles and foreign cash spiked as Wagner forces approached Moscow.

The Financial Services and Markets Bill 2002 is expected to gain Royal Assent –and therefore become law- in early summer 2023. The Bill includes measures impacting the U.K.'s wholesale cash distribution.

The Financial Services and Markets Bill 2002 would allow HM Treasury to designate firms to be subject to oversight to ensure the continued provision of cash services. The Bill would also give the Bank of England powers to oversee the wholesale cash industry.

The Austrian National Bank (OeNB) advises storing a small amount of cash at home for emergencies – such as a blackout or cyberattack.

To strengthen and safeguard the role of cash by facilitating open dialogue, the Austrian Central Bank has launched the Euro Cash 360° Platform, along with the Austrian Mint, social partners and other interest groups.

In this seventh episode, James Shepherd-Barron sits down with Luis Oro, Director of Innovation at Prosegur Cash, to discuss cash, how it moves around in less developed countries and its role in society.

The French central bank will invest €220 million to modernize and expand its banknote printing facility, demonstrating strong confidence in the future of cash.

The German central bank is working with strategic foresight researchers to create different future plausible scenarios for cash in Germany in 15 to 20 years. The objective is to steer the future of cash and be prepared for future challenges.