January 2011

Cash Circulation Case Study

01.25.2011
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Since last year, Currency News has been running a series on cash circulation models around the world, and has so far looked at three countries: Norway, Israel and China. In Israel and Norway, the central bank has removed itself – either partially or entirely – from the cash circulation process (Norway has even outsourced the destruction of banknotes). In China, on the other hand, the central bank continues to maintain direct control over cash circulation, up until the cash reaches the commercial banks. The focus now turns to South Africa, an early adopter of global cash management technology which has one of the most forward-thinking cash industries in the world.

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Foiling the Counterfeiter

01.18.2011
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We all know how currency printers, security device suppliers and counterfeiters are constantly trying to outsmart each other. A recent paper published in the periodical Advanced Materials. It seems that science has advanced to the extent that it is now possible to print a transistor circuit onto paper using organic compounds. The science of this is far beyond my comprehension, but I do understand the basic principle.

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The Less-Cash Society

01.13.2011
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One of the most common debates I hear is about the use of cash. Is it growing or declining? There was a recent report from the UK that indicated cash use was surpassed by other forms of payment for the first time ever. I was recently sent a link to a report from the Aite Group that predicts a decline in cash usage over the next four years. Interestingly however the report does conclude that although there will likely be a decline in cash usage in certain demographic groups, there will be an increase with others.

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