Banknotes
Malaysian deputy unveils ‘ink-staining’ technology for ATMs
Muhammad bin Ibrahim says ATMs have been ‘frequent target’ for criminals in recent years; new technology will stain notes with indelible ink if machine is being robbed
RBA paper finds high social cost to counterfeiting
Researchers try to put a figure on how much counterfeit banknotes cost the economy; Australian economy suffers from lower counterfeiting than elsewhere
Bank of Spain remodels in light of SSM
Executive commission approves a new structure for bank resolution and regulation, as well as changes to the central bank’s cash management functions
Growth in banknote circulation drops in Namibia after ATM mandate
Annual report shows central bank mandated banks to re-calibrate their ATMs to better balance the dispense of banknotes to the market, lowering the rate of banknote issuance
Argentines ask central bank for higher-denomination banknotes
Argentine bankers’ associations urge the central bank to print higher-denomination banknotes, as ATMs filled with 100 peso notes struggle to meet public demand
Riksbank sees payments challenges ahead
Annual report notes growing interest in digital forms of payment is leading to declining income from seigniorage; new banknote series to enter circulation in 2015
Former ECB banknotes director describes 'arduous path' to Europa launch
Antti Heinonen details the challenges and occasional mishaps in delivering a ‘quantum leap’ in eurozone banknote designs, with the latest new note to be issued later this year
Counterfeiting rate ‘extremely low’ for Canadian polymer notes
Bank of Canada’s polymer series now comprises 75% of the banknotes in circulation, and is subject to a counterfeiting rate of just 0.56 parts per million
New Australian banknotes to feature 'embossed bumps'
RBA to become second central bank to emboss polymer banknotes with 'bumps', making it easier to feel the difference between denominations
Security at Bank of Albania improved in wake of theft
Governor Gent Sejko insists security at the central bank is ‘at the right levels’ following the $5.2 million theft from its vaults last year; calls for vigilance from staff members
British minister brands Argentina’s new Falklands banknote a ‘stunt’
The Central Bank of Argentina has issued a new 50 peso banknote featuring the Falkland Islands, which sparked criticism, with a British minister branding it a ‘stunt’
Riksbank unveils new series of notes and coins
Majority of Sweden’s banknotes and coins to be updated by the end of 2016; new 20 krona note to be introduced and two krona coin to re-enter circulation
Pakistan targets automated cash management in five years
State Bank of Pakistan aims to automate cash management and urges commercial banks to follow suit; deputy governor says it will help ensure only clean and genuine notes circulate
Cambodia’s central bank defends depiction of Buddha on banknotes
National Bank of Cambodia released a new 100 riel banknote last week, depicting Buddha, which local media reports suggest has come in for criticism from some stakeholders
Cuban central bank to issue three new large-value banknotes
Central bank plans to issue banknotes worth 200, 500 and 1,000 domestic pesos; the largest note currently in circulation is worth 100 pesos
Coins and notes with same value to circulate in Angola
Angola’s central bank will issue two new coins in November, of 50 and 100 kwanzas, which will circulate with equal denomination banknotes
No end in sight for cash payments, Canadian research finds
Despite its costs, cash remains a popular option among Canadians, with younger consumers and merchants showing the highest demand for cash
Canadians want more women on banknotes, poll shows
Bank of Canada’s banknotes should reflect more gender equality and a better celebration of women, according to the Canadians who participated in an online survey by the central bank
New Zealand’s banknotes get first upgrade since 1999
Reserve Bank unveils a ‘brighter, more modern look’ for its banknotes, and a host of new security features; net cost will be NZ$40 million over five years
Central Bank of Iraq updates 5,000 and 25,000 dinar banknotes
The central bank says the new banknotes will coexist with their predecessors; most notable change sees addition of transparent window on 25,000 note
National Bank of Denmark to outsource production of banknotes and coins
The National Bank of Denmark will outsource all of its printing and minting services to an external supplier in 2016, with an estimated saving of $17 million by 2020
Bank of Canada will consult public on future banknote designs
Bank of Canada launches a nationwide consultation on banknote design principles, after a report concluding that Canadians should have increased participation in the process
National Bank of Belgium to close half its remaining branches
Belgian central bank reveals plans to close its branches in Mons and Hasselt in 2016, which are predominantly involved in processing cash
Portuguese central banker warns new €10 banknote may not be accepted by all vending machines
Bank of Portugal board member says he cannot guarantee the note will be accepted by all machines, as owners are responsible for making necessary software changes