Currency
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
BoE considers palm oil as tallow alternative for polymer notes
Bank of England issues polymer consultation after tallow controversy; palm oil will add £5 million to printing costs if adopted
UK launches new £1 coin
New £1 is the “world’s most secure coin”, mint claims, integrating new security features previously used solely for banknotes; businesses have until October 2017 to recalibrate machines
IMF working paper examines the impact of “de-cashing” on monetary policy
IMF working paper examines the impact of “de-cashing” on monetary policy, claiming transmission would become “easier” and “faster”
MAS considers revising limits on coin payments
Singapore central bank mulls blanket restriction of 10 coins per denomination in a single transaction; new arrangement would align the country with Norway and Switzerland
RBI research: demonetisation hit growth but helped inclusion
Authors find scrapping high-value notes impacted Indian growth and inflation but pushed many people to open bank accounts and improved policy transmission
How Venezuela can stop hyperinflation – now
Redenominating the currency will only prolong the pain, says Steve Hanke. More drastic measures are needed
Somalian central bank to print first notes since 1991
New 1,000 shilling looks set to enter circulation in 2017 with extensive assistance being provided by the IMF; central bank has struggled to operate amid civil war
Ghana issues banknote with QR code
New ¢5 note with 2D barcode to help educate the public on the numerous security features; bank to celebrate sixtieth birthday in August
MAS unveils new DLT plans for securities and cross-border payments
Success of initial project leads authority to launch two 'spin-off' projects, including a possible cross-border application of central bank-issued digital currency
Central Bank of Uzbekistan issues new highest-denomination banknote
New 10,000 som denomination to feature similar security features to notes already in circulation; inflation has eroded value of existing notes
Bank of Spain upgrades cash-handling directorate
New directorate-general will handle regional branches and banknote production
RBI’s Gandhi thinks blockchain’s capabilities are being ‘overstated’
Deputy governor says virtual currencies issues on a blockchain network pose a number of risks; fintech industry starting to wake up to blockchain’s “exaggerated” benefits