Switzerland

As the number of ATMs has significantly decreased in recent years, SIX and Diebold Nixdorf are entering into a cooperation to secure the long-term cash supply through ATM pooling. However, the Swiss Post also aims to be the sole ATM operator.

A new paper analyses the spatial distribution of ATMs and bank branches in Switzerland. On average Swiss residents have easy access to cash as 90% live within 2.7 km of an ATM and 3.7 km of a bank branch. Those who live more than 5 km from an ATM or bank branch account for 2.6% and 4.9% of the population, respectively.

Swiss payments services provider Six published a white paper on “The Future of Money”. The scenario-planning exercise designs seven medium-term scenarios, which all involve a sharp decline in cash demand or its disappearance. Meanwhile, the Swiss payment card network crashed on 19 November.

Swiss banks are testing a unique software platform that could be implemented in all ATMs across the country.

Need cash but don't have time to walk to the nearest ATM? No worries, the Sonect app can easily show you which shops in your immediate vicinity can give you cash by simply using your smartphone!

Swiss banks will standardise their ATM services by switching to one system with new functionalities including cardless withdrawals, cash deposits into selected accounts and a talking option for the visually-impaired.

Shining bright today is Switzerland's new 20 franc note: a live representation of light's many virtues from creativity to science.