The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has begun an investigation into the phasing out of hundreds of bank cash machines and their replacement by a new consolidated network of ‘neutral’ Bancontact- branded ATMs. The investigation focuses on accessibility to the ATMs, and therefore to cash, as well as on the quality of service, notably in terms of waiting time.

De La Rue has released a comprehensive set of full year results for FY2023/24. These results were in line with market expectations and its previous trading update.

The Royal Mint has announced its results for 2023-24, which are in sharp contrast to the success of the previous year.

In recent weeks, Da Afghanistan Bank (the country’s central bank) has incinerated c. 2 billion worn-out Afghani banknotes. In 2023, it collected and incinerated approximately 5.2 billion banknotes.

The 2024 Global Currency Forum (GCF) – which takes place in Muscat, Oman from 30 September-3 October – is set to host a series of panel discussions that promise to delve deep into the evolving landscape of global cash and currency. This year’s forum features an impressive lineup of experts who will share their insights on various topics, from the role of banknote design in national identity to the sustainability of cash.

Spectra Systems’ annual report, released at the end of June, showed revenues for 2023 increased by 3.4% to $20.28 million and operating profit, EDITDA (before stock compensation expenses) by 3.9% to $8.39 million.

This short phrase is a truism. Another is ‘you get what you pay for’. When security fibres are used in banknotes, it is fair to say both truisms apply. Security fibres may be very small, but the level of security they provide certainly gives value for money.

In an age where consumers, companies and central banks are seeking to reduce raw materials use and close the loop on waste, banknote recycling has never been more important.

In this periodic series summarising counterfeit currency around the world, we focus on the latest news from Hong Kong, Libya, Scotland and Ukraine.

The high-level programme and award categories for the next edition of The Coin Conference have been announced, with the event scheduled to take place 28-30 October in Lisbon, Portugal.

The many security features integrated into a banknote make them virtually impossible to counterfeit. These features instil confidence in the currency and enable various users to authenticate genuine banknotes throughout the entire cash cycle.

The next edition of the Directory of Circulating Coins is currently being compiled, and is scheduled for publication this Autumn. First developed by the publishers of Currency News in 2014, the upcoming issue will be the fourth edition.

Counterfeit deterrence requires a three-pronged approach. Banknote design security, public education and law enforcement.

The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) introduced the newly designed 10,000 tenge banknotes into circulation at the end of June. This release marks the second instalment in the ‘Saka Style’ series, which draws inspiration from elements of the ancient Saka culture, a key precursor to traditional Kazakh ornamentation. The series aims to evoke national pride, deepen cultural awareness, and promote environmental stewardship among Kazakhstan’s citizens.

The Bank of Mongolia has issued a limited edition 5,000 tugrik commemorative banknote to mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the central bank and the strengthening of the modern banking system in Mongolia. The banknotes are in the same design as the circulating 5000 tugrik but include a number of new security features.

Some were in Frankfurt for the European football in the final week of June, but not all. The second Cash Sustainability Forum saw two and a half days of discussion, presentations and debate focused on reducing the environmental impact of cash and the cash cycle.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has announced that it plans to transition its cash operations in East Rutherford, New Jersey to a new next-generation cash services centre within the Second District.

Last month, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the introduction of polymer banknotes in New Zealand. But all is not well with cash ‘down under’, with usage in rapid decline and the cash infrastructure in decline as well – both in response to falling demand and also a driver for it.

Today, located in City of London, the Bank of England, with a history of more than 300 years, is a pioneer of modern finance. It is also one of the world’s oldest central banks.

Commemorative coins are a common way for countries to mark their participation in international sporting events, particularly if they are hosting those events. Less so for commemorative banknotes, but they are becoming more popular.