Currency
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
Cash is here to stay – SNB’s Zurbrügg
SNB official says reports of cash’s “death” are “exaggerated”; central bank has no plans to stop printing banknotes as its popularity remains
Delayed banknotes arrive in Venezuela
Thirty billion bolivars of notes finally shipped from Sweden, says central bank director; further denominations expected by the end of the month
Seychelles to demonetise old 100- and 500-rupee notes
Improved security features need to be “put to best use”, says the central bank; the general public have until June 29 to spend or exchange the old banknotes
New Australian $10 to feature works of native authors
RBA launches second banknote in new series, celebrating native authors; new note will feature similar security elements to new A$5 launched last year
BoE says launch of £10 to go ahead, despite tallow traces
UK central bank will continue to print the £10 on the same substrate as the controversial fiver; options may be reconsidered for the £20
Consultancy and advisory services provider of the year (bespoke): Innovia Security
Polymer bank note provider also offers a suite of advisory services from design through to recycling to prepare central banks for the transition to ‘plastic’ bank notes, as highlighted in Nicaragua
Banknote and currency services provider of the year: Crane Currency
Leading micro-optics provider continues to deliver a full range of services from design to print to a large number of central banks around the world to ensure integrity of cash
Payments and market infrastructure provider of the year: VocaLink
The UK payments provider has built on domestic success to support real-time payments in Thailand and the US
PBoC issues second warning to bitcoin exchanges
Nine platforms told to enforce AML and forex regulation if they are to continue operating within China; bitcoin price holds firm against news
Philippines central bank enforces virtual currency regulation
Exchanges will have to apply for certificate of registration and implement specific risk management framework; central bank imposes transaction limit
National Bank of Poland to release new highest value banknote
500-zloty note will enter circulation on February 10 and be the last of the new series, which was first announced in 2014
ECB reports 20.7% drop in number of counterfeits
Number of counterfeits ticked up in the second half of 2016, but annual figures are down; €50 note still dominates in terms of counterfeit volume, with new note to be released in April