Regulation

Europe's lawmakers agree on the principle that cash must be accepted as legal tender. The argument is over the exceptions — machines without staff, merchants claiming security risks. Together, those two exceptions would apply exactly where people have no other way to pay. And neither exception, on the evidence, holds up.

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.

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 Netherlands are taking bold steps to future-proof cash: stricter access laws, frozen fees, and even mandatory acceptance. The new cash resilience plan—includes a war room for crises and a public campaign urging citizens to keep cash for emergencies. This is a blueprint for the future viability of cash.

The Riksbank supports the proposal for an obligation to accept cash in the sale of essential goods, and to strengthen the banks' responsibility for cash handling. Cash is essential for economic and social inclusion, and for the resilience of the payment system.

A penny for your thoughts? The humble penny is more than just a coin—it's a symbol of American history and thrift. As debates about its future continue, let's explore why every penny counts.

Elsewhere on the Web provides updates and links to articles related to cash, money and payments curated on the web.

Visa and Mastercard will pay $197 million to settle a case brought by millions of consumers who withdrew cash from ATMs and accused the companies of anti-competitive behaviour.

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.

The Slovakian Parliament adopted a law which will make the right to pay in cash part of the constitution.

The Finance Minister announced legislative proposals to ensure affordable access to both cash withdrawals and deposits. Meanwhile, the banking sector is requested to maintain adequate cash services.

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.