Latest News

Antti Heinonen

29 Sept. 2024

8 min read

Update on the Global Demand for Banknotes

Currency News™ began to publish global annual updates on banknote demand in 2017. This update will start with an analysis of the development of banknote circulation in value terms during recent years.

Banknotes

Astrid Mitchell

29 Sept. 2024

2 min read

People in the News

Laos’ Parliament has removed Bounleua Sinxayvoravong as Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR, a position he held since 2022.

News

Astrid Mitchell

29 Sept. 2024

2 min read

HSP Asia Heads to Thailand this December

Reconnaissance, the High Security Printing™ (HSP) conference organiser, has announced that registration is now open for the upcoming HSP Asia event, scheduled for December 2-4, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Events

Astrid Mitchell

29 Sept. 2024

2 min read

A Security Step-Up for Guyana

In last months’ Currency News™, we reference the Bank of Guyana’s upgrade of its $500 and $1,000 banknotes with Rolling Star® LEAD Pure security foil from Louisenthal on the former, and Crane’s RAPID® Vision security thread on the latter. In this article, we provide more details of the $500.

Banknotes

Astrid Mitchell

29 Sept. 2024

3 min read

Guatemala Celebrates 100 Years of Quetzal

The Guatemalan currency, the quetzal, was introduced in 1924. The Q1 commemorative banknote, released in September 2024, is only the second commemorative banknote in the history of Banco de Guatemala (Banguat), and commemorates the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the quetzal as the national monetary unit.

Banknotes

Astrid Mitchell

29 Sept. 2024

3 min read

In Other News…

Danmarks Nationalbank has provided details of the themes for its new banknotes series, which will consist of four denominations – 50, 100, 200 and 500 krone – and will be issued from 2028 onwards, replacing the current 2009 series featuring Danish bridges and ancient artefacts.

News

Francis Tuffy

26 Sept. 2024

5 min read

Stopping Real Equipment from Making Fake Documents

The usual picture that comes to mind of a counterfeiter’s modus operandi is one of clandestine operations carried out under cover of darkness. But what happens when the illegal activities are carried out in plain sight and what is the industry doing to prevent them?

Technology

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

4 min read

Central Banks and Cash Round-Up

In this periodic series of articles covering cash information in central bank annual reports, we turn our attention this month to England, Iceland, Kazakhstan and Switzerland.

News

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

2 min read

BSP’s Coin Deposit Programme and 2024 Outstanding Partners

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has so far collected almost PHP 888.7 million from the coin deposit machines introduced last year. The number of transactions reached 214,475 as of the middle of August, with 236 million coins having been deposited and exchanged for e-wallet credits or shopping vouchers.

Central Banks

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

5 min read

Escher® Portraits – Advancing Digital 3D Portrait Design

Intaglio is a quintessential feature for high-security designs. Its unique look and tactility make it easy to authenticate banknotes and identity documents within seconds. The Escher® method, developed by Orell Füssli, uses three-dimensional (3D) models for intaglio designs.

Technology

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

2 min read

Mint of Finland to Close Next Year

The Mint of Finland (Suomen Rahapaja) is to cease operations and wind down in an orderly manner by next year, its Managing Director Jonne Hankimaa, has announced, bringing to an end a 160-year business which first began minting coins in 1864 under the Russian emperor Alexander III.

Companies

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

1 min read

AI: a Practical Bootcamp

Currency Research has launched the AI Bootcamp, facilitated by The Centre for Alternative Finance at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, which will explore AI tools and strategies for revolutionising supervisory innovation, with practical insights and a tailored roadmap for AI adoption.

Events

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

2 min read

Grand Reveal for New Caribbean Guilder

In what was termed a ‘grand reveal’, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten hosted simultaneous events on both islands to unveil the designs of the banknotes and coins of its new currency, the Caribbean guilder.

Banknotes

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

5 min read

All Set for the Coin Conference 2024

The Coin Conference takes place in Lisbon 28-30 October, against a backdrop of considerable change (no pun intended) in the world of circulating coins. Not surprisingly, the agenda is busy and full of substance, reflecting the key challenges, and opportunities, that face issuers and producers.

Coins Events

Chander S Jeena

29 Aug. 2024

4 min read

The Evolution of Asian State Security Printers – From Currency Makers to Digital Authentication Providers

State security printers in Asia are transforming as a result of a fast-changing economic and technological landscape. Traditionally known for producing banknotes, coins, and secure documents, these institutions are now repositioning themselves as digital identification and authentication (DIA) players, as this article, adapted from sister publication Authentication & Brand News, explains.

Technology

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

2 min read

Millions of UK Coins Shelved in Warehouses

The UK banking system is reported to be storing indefinitely around £4 million worth of unwanted copper coins.

Coins

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

3 min read

Interim Results – More Encouraging Signs

Last month we reported on the broadly positive interim results for two leaders in the currency sector – Orell Füssli and Prosegur. This month is the turn of Brinks, NCR Atleos, Diebold Nixdorf and Crane NXT.

Companies

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

7 min read

Note and Coin News

Bank Al-Maghrib has issued new 50 dirham banknote, the third in its new series.

Banknotes Coins

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

3 min read

A Perfect Storm for Mints

The news that the Mint of Finland is closing down will no doubt be cited by many as another grim reminder that cash is on the way out. Certainly, that was the reason given by the company when it announced that it is winding down and will cease operations next year.

Companies Free Free

Astrid Mitchell

29 Aug. 2024

12 min read

Authentix – Positioned as a Multi Service Solutions Provider for Currency and Beyond

Last month, the uncertainty over the future of the authentication business of Meta Materials was resolved by the acquisition of its assets by Authentix. This is the latest in a string of acquisitions that has seen Authentix grow from its early days as a developer of taggants for fuel integrity programmes to a full service and solutions provider to the banknote industry of covert technologies, sensors, overt features, security print and design.

Interviews