Covestro has formally introduced its new polymer substrate for banknotes and secure documents, which it has branded CERTEVO®, stating that it marks a ‘significant advancement in document security, sustainability, and printing technology, combining performance and environmental responsibility.’

In this month’s round-up covering cash information in central bank annual reports, we look at Russia, in the throes of its ‘special military operation’, and its neighbour Ukraine, the target of that operation.

The 20th edition of the High Security Printing™ Asia conference in Bangkok, Thailand (2-4 December 2024), marked an important milestone in advancing the region’s security printing industry.

At a time when ‘less cash’ is on the minds of many central banks and organisations operating in the cash industry, the Federal Reserve is making major investments in its cash operations, infrastructure and the currency itself.

The Regional Banknote and ID Document of the Year Awards form part of the industry’s High Security Printing (HSP) Asia conference, the latest of which recently concluded in Bangkok, Thailand.

The United States Mint has unveiled the designs for the fourth and final year of the American Women Quarters Program. Since the beginning of the program in 2022, the Mint has issued five quarters annually, and the final five will be issued in 2025.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has announced the issue of the First Philippine Polymer (FPP) banknote series, over two years after the release of the 1,000 piso polymer as a trial in April 2022.

The Central Bank of Kenya derives its mandate from Article 231 of Kenya’s Constitution and Section 22 of the CBK Act. Among these responsibilities, CBK must ensure and facilitate adequate and secure money supply in the economy. In fulfilling this mandate, the CBK took steps to guarantee the supply of banknotes by procuring an updated version from Giesecke+DevrientCurrency Technology.

There is a perception that in 2022 and 2023 the currency ‘industry’ was a little flat, even lacking self-confidence, in the face of the fall out from the pandemic and the huge surge in digital payments as societies rapidly went online. The evidence of 2024 tells a rather different story.

De La Rue has announced its half-year results for the six months ending September 2024. The company reported lower revenues but continued growth in its order book, and strategic development with the proposed sale of its Authentication business to Crane NXT.

The Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (KOMSCO) held a ‘Currency By-Product Utilisation Seminar’ earlier this month to launch its new venture to reuse currency by-products slated for disposal – both end-of-life banknotes and waste from production. Around 500 tonnes are generated annually, of which 90% is incinerated.

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) has a new name – the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA). The change is part of the industry body’s strategic plan to broaden its scope to better serve evolving markets and new technology frontiers, particularly in optical security.

Last month, the International Association of Currency Affairs held a webinar titled ‘Cash Visibility: How the Royal Canadian Mint Manages Canada’s Circulation Coins in Real-Time’, where the Mint detailed their strategies and systems for managing cash visibility for coin in Canada.

In a management earnout of up to 100%, Currency Research’s CEO and President Jens Seidl and Vice President Shaun Ferrari will become majority shareholders of the company. The founder, and current sole shareholder, Richard Haycock will sell all his shares and resign from the Chairman position, effective 1 January 2025.

Not content with being a leader in banknote substrates, features and print, Crane NXT is certainly gunning for the brand protection market, having acquired three companies in this area since the start of the year.

The Royal Dutch Mint (RDM) has signed a multi-year agreement with Finland’s Ministry of Finance for the production, marketing and distribution of circulation and commemorative euro coins. The announcement follows the Mint of Finland’s announcement last month that it would cease operations in 2025, following the completion of its existing commitments to customers and suppliers – which it expects to fulfil early next year.

As described in last month’s issue of Currency News™, at the recent Global Currency Forum (GCF) in Oman, industry players showcased house notes with new security features on themes ranging from butterflies, meadows and the ocean to Venus. To that can be added chameleons.

The Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) is introducing new polymer $2 and $5 banknotes on the theme of ‘Same Look, Smarter Design’.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has announced that it is to begin developing the country’s 10th banknote series in order to ensure that Swiss banknotes continue to meet the latest standards for functionality and security.

Continuing on its acquisition trail to penetrate the brand protection market, Crane NXT has now bought the smart packaging assets of TruTag Technologies, which will be incorporated into its OpSec business.