From the monthly archives:

April 2010

Nationwide prohibits small in-branch cash withdrawals – Expected gripes ensue

04.29.2010
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A couple of weeks ago Nationwide Building Society in the UK announced that it would prohibit cash withdrawals of less than £100 in the teller queue at the branch. This ban affected only holders of accounts that included an ATM or debit card, point being that these are customers that could just as easily get their cash from the ATM as in the branch.

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Death By A Thousand Cuts

04.26.2010
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The recent report by the Payments Council – the body responsible for setting the strategy for payments in the UK – should be a wake-up call to us all in the currency industry. Although the report covers the UK only, it is a trend that is typical of payment systems in many countries around the world. In summary, it documents a decline in the use of cash in the last decade and forecasts a further decline, detailing changes that have been taking place gradually, but steadily. Is this a case of ‘death by a thousand cuts?’ And, if so, is there anything we can do about it?

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New US $100 Note

04.22.2010
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Yesterday it was announced in a joint press release that a new $100 US note will enter circulation next February (2011). In a bold move the BEP and FRB have decided to add some new security features to the most often counterfeited US denomination. This will be the first time that OVD’s (Optical Variable Device) will be used on any US note. Could this be the beginning of an even larger change in US currency design?

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You Learn Something New Every Day – Fractional Currency

04.14.2010

Did you know that during the American Civil War and for a few years after, the United States issued paper currency in lieu of coins? According to rebelstatescurrency.com, the 5, 10, 25, and 50 cent notes were issued due to a coin shortage.

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Happy Birthday to Us!

04.09.2010
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Today marks the first anniversary of the re-launch of Counting On Currency! We are particularly proud of the loyalty our small but dedicated readership has shown to this humble on-line publication. We are currently reaching over 4,000 unique readers in 108 counties who have amassed well over 35,000 page views in the past 12 months.

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ICCOS 2010

04.08.2010
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As many of you are aware, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the International Commercial Cash Operations Seminar. I have attended every event except one over the past 12 years and have yet to be disappointed, which is more than I can say for almost every other industry conference I have been to. This years event promises to provide again the kind of focused and valuable content that we have come to expect from ICCOS, with even more focus on the North, Central and South American markets.

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Transoft President Honoured with Award

04.06.2010

The President & CEO of Transoft International, Inc., Mr. Bo H. Holmgreen, was recently honored by Business Leader Media as one of the Research Triangle’s 2010 Top Entrepreneurs at an awards ceremony in Raleigh. This year’s winners were chosen based on their demonstrated success in their businesses, and will be featured in the April issue of Business Leader Magazine.

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