Banknotes
New Russian banknote provokes anger in Ukraine
Ukrainian central bank prohibits institutions from handling new note, which depicts scenes from Crimea region; design was chosen by the public in 2016
BoE introduces new counterfeit initiative for ‘front line of defence’
New checking scheme will employ “targeted training” for cash handlers while retailers will help central bank gather data on current practices
Cleland outlines uncertainty of future cash demand
BoE chief cashier says people will move away from cash, but the rate of change is uncertain
RBI data casts doubt on value of demonetisation
Scheme receives fresh criticism after revelation that 99% of all notes have been returned; RBI emphasises long-term benefits
Indian central bank introduces 200 rupee banknote denomination
New denomination should “facilitate exchange” for smaller transactions, RBI says
São Tomé and Príncipe redenominates currency
New banknote series sees new and old dobras swapped at 1:1,000 ratio; UK-based printer De La Rue to develop new series
Uzbekistan launches new banknote as inflation erodes value
New 50,000 som note is five times the value of the next largest banknote; security features include raised text, colour-changing foils and windows
BoE’s ‘difficult decision’ to stick with animal fat substrate
UK central bank rejects the palm oil alternative, despite successful trials; the decision is based on cost and sustainability concerns
Zimbabwe back to printing bond notes
Reserve bank to release an extra $300 million into the system from August to deal with forex demand; governor says bolstering regulation should help “plug” forex leakages
Bank of England unveils Jane Austen £10
New banknote will be the first to include tactile features for the visually impaired; Carney says timeline for the new £20 remains on track despite polymer controversy
Madagascar launches high-denomination banknote
New banknote series will use new security features on a number of substrates, one of which has been created by Banque de France
Armenia dropping high-denomination note in new hybrid series
The central bank says the note worth $200 will not be included in the new series; submissions for design proposals for the new series are now being accepted
It is too early to disregard cash – Croatia’s Vujčić
European governors wary of what the future of fintech will hold for both digital and hard cash
Syria’s new high-denomination banknote to feature President Assad
President to adorn new 2,000 Syrian pound banknote, worth around $4; central bank governor says plan for new note has been in pipeline for years
New US dollar bills will not be polymer – Fed official
US plans to launch a new family of banknotes that will have more intaglio printing; Fed’s Lambert sees a bright future for cash
Cash industry should tweak models in new environment, says BoE’s Cleland
Chief cashier says players should be prepared to “flex” models to adapt to environment where cash reliance is less significant; technology is not a threat, it’s an opportunity, says Cleland
Bahamian banknotes will feature three different substrates
The Caribbean nation is set to issue the highest denominations of its new series on a paper/polymer hybrid used by the Swiss National Bank; the new substrate offers a wider range of features
Norges Bank hooks viewers with fishy banknote video
“The cod is coming” music video proves a hit, helping to advertise the central bank’s new banknote series
Zim’s Mangudya slams media amid reports of deepening crisis
Zimbabwe governor says "false" social media reports are direct attempt to discredit government and central bank efforts
Physical currency is still necessary and relevant, says BNM deputy
Deputy governor of Bank Negara Malaysia says cash is a key branding tool of central banks; BNM is in the process of building a new modern mint
SNB launches next new banknote alongside updated app
New 20-franc note incorporates the theme of light not only in design but also in identification of security features; Kurz foil element once again integrated
UK’s Royal Mint challenges coin-note boundary
Director for circulating coin claims new feature will allow the new £1 coin to challenge low-denomination banknotes in terms of security
RBA opens new ‘highly secure’ banknote vault
Australian central bank makes first investment in banknote storage and distribution in over a decade; Lowe says public have come to “rely” on “secure and high-quality” banknotes
ECB set for €50 note launch
The European Central Bank is to launch the fourth banknote in the new Europa series on April 4; the new note will retain design elements from previous series, but will feature revamped security features