Future of Cash

The future of cash is shaped by geopolitical tensions, digital developments, monetary innovation and consumer preferences. Will cash remain a global stabilizer or fade into obsolescence? The answer lies in navigating uncertainty, regulation, and technological change. What future do we want for cash?

The 2025 CashTech Innovation Awards recognize groundbreaking advancements to improve access to cash; acceptance of cash and the efficiency of the cash cycle. Winners include the Central Bank of Austria, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (OeNB) for its ‘ATMs for Austria’ initiative; Bankomat AB for the bold and comprehensive transformation of its cash logistics operations in Sweden, and Muney App for bridging digital transfers and cash to enhance efficiency and inclusion in the Latin American remittance market.

1 Month to Go - The Future of Cash 2025

From the US phasing out the penny to Germany’s push for cash payment rounding, the relationship between coins and banknotes is transforming—but coins are far from obsolete. While banknotes grow as a store of value, coins continue to play a vital role in everyday transactions, supported by smart denominational strategies and durable innovations. Explore how central banks are adapting currency structures, balancing tradition with efficiency, and ensuring coins remain essential in the diverse ecosystem of cash.

Cash is making a comeback! Recent data shows a shift from decline to plateau in cash payments. Despite digital growth, cash remains essential in our payment systems.

Cash remains vital in Germany despite declining usage. A Bundesbank study reveals its importance for reliability, inclusion, and education. While digital payments rise, cash's unique benefits ensure its continued relevance.

While the media frequently report on ATM and bank closures in mature economies, the industry is simultaneously experiencing a surge of innovation. Driven by evolving needs of consumers, the ATM landscape is transforming to enhance accessibility, convenience, and security.

In an era marked by growing global uncertainty, the future of cash is at a critical juncture. As digital payments and financial technologies rapidly evolve, the role of cash is being redefined. However, the focus should not merely be on adapting the cash cycle to these changes, but on proactively shaping it to ensure preparedness and resilience for the challenges ahead.

Will AI make cash obsolete? Dive into the future of money as AI reshapes our financial landscape. Discover how technology can boost cash accessibility or accelerate its decline.

The re-election of Donald Trump has strengthened the influence of BigTech, fostering closer ties between tech giants and the U.S. government. As tech companies expand into financial services and cryptocurrencies, concerns about privacy, financial censorship, and dependence on digital infrastructure grow. Cash remains a crucial counterbalance, offering privacy, economic freedom, and resilience during crises.

CashEssentials was honored to hold a seminar on the Future of Cash at the High-Security Printing Conference in Bangkok last week. We asked participants how they imagine the future of cash.

CashEssentials will be hosting a seminar on the Future of Cash at the ATMIA Europe and Emerging Markets Conference in London on 10 October 2024. It will focus on understanding the changing cash environment and what stakeholders are doing to optimise the cash cycle and ensure the future viability and sustainability of cash.