Cash
Costa Rica to issue first polymer banknotes
Central bank will retain size and colour of existing notes to smooth transition to new substrate
Oman launches first denomination in new banknote series
New series incorporates improved security features and elements for the visually impaired
BoE awards Accenture RTGS overhaul contract
Consultancy firm wins contract worth up to £150 million for payments system upgrade
Covid-19 likely to affect return of paper £20 banknote – BoE
Central bank reports consumers are likely to hold onto old banknotes until they cease to be legal tender
Timothy Lane on CBDCs and why the private sector is no competition for central banks
The Bank of Canada deputy governor discusses the difference between a private-sector-motivated digital currency and a CBDC, and why finding a balance between privacy and regulation is such a challenge
CBDCs cannot have unlimited privacy – Canadian deputy governor
Timothy Lane says central banks should consider “hybrid privacy levels”
Cash issuance in Botswana balloons 18% in 2019
Annual report shows banknote issuance growth for all denominations, despite rise in electronic payments
Angola to issue its first polymer banknotes
Governor says new banknote series will improve security and durability, and cut costs
PBoC partners with tech giant to test digital yuan
Chinese ride-hailing firm partners with PBoC digital currency research arm to test digital yuan
Bank of Japan to begin testing CBDC
BoJ publishes report on feasibility of digital yen, a surprise move after governor’s ‘lack of demand’ comment
CBDC can boost de-dollarisation and inclusion – Cambodia
Cambodia’s central bank says its quasi-CBDC network can promote use of local currency and improve financial inclusion
Coronavirus panic fuels a surge in cash demand
Covid-19 has led to banknote hoarding in Australia, Brazil, Canada, the eurozone, Russia and the US, fuelled by concerns about financial system stress, write Jonathan Ashworth and Charles Goodhart
Covid-19 has highlighted payments systems problems – BIS report
Pandemic may have strengthened case for central bank digital currency, report says
UK debt office narrowly avoided disorderly market in March
DMO chief says BoE intervention triggered rapid recovery; debt issuance now running at record levels
Should the BoE go negative?
Much research into negative rates suggests central banks should have little to fear, but there are plenty of caveats
CBDC development pushed into ‘top gear’ by Covid – policy-makers
The pandemic will have a lasting impact on consumer payment behaviour, panellists say
Solomon Islands central bank cuts reserve requirements
Reducing requirements will ensure ample liquidity is provided to banking sector, central bank says
BoE launches new education progamme for children
UK central bank broadens financial literacy campaign with second programme for schools
Central bank museums grapple with lockdown
Money museums moved online to keep communicating during Covid-19 lockdown; some now plan to reopen for a limited number of visitors
Covid-19 must not cause ‘technological lockout’, says RBA’s Bullock
Merchants could be hit if dual pricing is unavailable for mobile payments, deputy governor says
BoE’s Hauser: Covid-19 forced “largest and fastest” actions ever
Executive director gives blow-by-blow account of how the BoE tackled the Covid-19 crisis in the markets
Trinidad and Tobago demonetisation hit illegal activities, central bank says
Financial Intelligence Unit recorded 900 reports of suspicious transactions in three-month window
The complex art of reserve management
The coronavirus lockdown represents another inflection point for central banks seeking to optimise the management of their $12 trillion in FX reserves