Financial inclusion

The digital revolution promised convenience, efficiency, and progress, but as cyber threats, addiction, and social fragmentation rise, its dark side is becoming impossible to ignore. Can a hybrid payment future truly balance digital innovation with cash resilience? And as cash usage declines, who will fund the infrastructure that keeps it viable? The future of payments demands a radical rethinking of how we preserve inclusion, trust, and choice.

New York State’s 2026 law mandating cash acceptance marks a turning point for financial inclusion, joining a national movement to protect consumers’ right to pay with cash amid growing concerns over equity and payment system resilience.

True inclusion meets people where they are—safeguarding cash’s reliability while enabling gradual digital uptake—maximising remittances’ contribution to sustainable development in underserved communities. This cash-centric approach has taken on added urgency with the recent imposition of a U.S. remittance tax under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Indian banks are planning to deploy 17,350 new ATMs—75% cash recyclers—over six months, led by state-run banks, to boost efficiency and fill gaps, blending tech innovation with enduring cash demand.

As France braces for a nationwide day of action dubbed “Bloquons tout” (“Block everything”), a striking feature of the protests is the call for citizens to withdraw cash from banks and use it instead of cards. This tactic, reminiscent of past grassroots movements like the Yellow Vests, aims to disrupt the financial system and send a message to both the government and major banks.

Beyond technicalities, cash serves as a unifying force in society that should not be underestimated.

On March 17th, the Spanish Congress of Deputies hosted the conference "Financial Inclusion in Spain: Cash as a Safe and Sustainable Solution," organized by the Denaria Platform. The event brought together experts and institutional representatives to discuss regulatory restrictions affecting cash use and their implications for the economy and national security.

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.

Cash is essential in a well-functioning society, as it guarantees social cohesion, which is threatened by aggressive digitalisation, says Spanish pro-cash platform Denaria.

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.

Australia’s cash infrastructure has contracted sharply in recent years. Banks and retailers have reduced cash services, even in urban areas.

“No cash accepted” signs are excluding many unbanked and underbanked people. Insisting that all businesses accept cash is a simple way to ensure everyone is financially included in the modern economy.