In the evolving landscape of currency design, the boundary between scientific innovation and artistic expression is becoming increasingly blurred. Central banks have long sought features that are not only impossible to replicate but also intuitive for the public to verify.

Over the past few years, light-field imaging has been considered one of the more promising directions for next-generation document security features. By reproducing not only the intensity of light but also its direction, a light-field structure can create convincing 3D imagery that changes naturally when the viewing angle shifts. The result is an effect that is both visually striking and immediately verifiable by the naked eye.

The Czech National Bank is to issue a commemorative 5,000 koruna banknote next March to mark the centenary of the central bank, and the 30th anniversary of the Czech koruna.

As noted in last month’s issue of Currency News, Ian Brigham of Spectra Systems Corporation presented their unique security feature’s contribution to the Casa de Moeda do Brasil’s new house note, the ‘Boa Sorte’ (or Good Luck). The note incorporates a level 3 taggant unique to Spectra’s Fusion™ polymer banknote substrate, as well as Kryptonome™, Oberthur Fiduciare’s new level 1 polymer-specific optical security feature (see CN June 2025).

Crane Currency has added yet another iteration of its micro-optics technology to its portfolio of security features – cBREEZE™. Engineered for high volume, lower value notes, it is designed with durability and cost-efficiency in mind, bringing the same visual dynamism and security as its sibling technology RAPID® HD, but in a simplified, more accessible and lower cost form.

Chris Skinner, an independent commentator on the financial markets, blogger and author, has written an interesting piece about how technology is changing the way business is delivered. He wrote it about how the digital bank model needs to change, but how might this apply to the world of cash?

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association has recently expanded the Hologram Image Register to incorporate all optically variable security images. The Security Image Register (SIR) is the only database of its kind for the security community, safeguarding copyright and helping deter attempts to copy security images, inadvertently or otherwise.

In this article, Francisco Mandiola of FMA Secure explains what is happening in South America’s second largest country and economy, and what it means for the currency.

As has been customary at the start of the year in the past, we have invited stakeholders and other participants in the cash community to give their views on key trends and likely developments for the coming year.

Readers will recall in earlier editions that we addressed a number of significant highlights following G+D`s Currency Technology Symposium held in July. This is the final story, focusing on key elements of the day dedicated to Louisenthal, G+D’s substrate and feature subsidiary.