2015 MEA Cash Cycle Seminar

What’s in Store at the Inaugural Middle East & Africa Cash Cycle Seminar (ICCOS)

November 3-5 2015 in Beirut, Lebanon

In just over a month, Currency Research (CR) will welcome delegates from all over the world to vibrant Beirut for the inaugural Middle East & Africa Cash Cycle Seminar (ICCOS), organized in close collaboration with seminar hosts, Banque du Liban (BDL). From 3-5 November 2015, stakeholders and industry experts from across the cash supply chain will convene for two and a half eventful days to learn, share knowledge and experiences, and engage in meaningful networking opportunities at the Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand Hotel.

Plenary Session Presentations

CR and BDL have planned a very informative and engaging agenda for the upcoming MEA Cash Cycle Seminar. Throughout the seminar, delegates will discuss the most pressing and important cash-related issues and hear presentations about what works to improve efficiencies, and much more. The presentations, including those highlighted below, are anticipated to generate many fascinating debates and discussions among attendees. The full agenda is available at www.mea.iccos.com/agenda.

Communication Channels with the Public by Banque du Liban

In recent years, the Cash Operations Department at Banque Du Liban has opened various communication lines with the general public and with specific stakeholder groups to reach several goals. These goals can be summarized as follows:

1. Introduce to the public new designs of banknote series;
2. Create public awareness of the security features in the series;
3. Measure the “market share” of the national currency through dollarization statistics;
4. Raise public awareness to the key role of the central bank in an attempt to increase the use of BDL products, namely the national currency;
5. Enhance financial education through different means;
6. Perform and support cultural activities based on a commitment to corporate social responsibility;
7. Organize and support conferences and events that create opportunities for local companies based on corporate “industrial” responsibility

This presentation will discuss how these aims were transmitted through different virtual and real communication channels to reach a wider audience and raise public awareness.

The Future of Cash in an Increasingly Digital World by Gerry Gaetz, Canadian Payments Association/ Association canadienne des paiements

Globally, the demand for cash continues to grow in line with economic growth. However, digital alternatives to cash for retail transactions are improving very quickly, and are challenging what have been unique benefits of cash in retail payments: convenience, ubiquity, and speed. This presentation will explore some recent trends in the use of cash and digital payments, and consider implications for Central Banks and the currency industry.

The Changing Requirements of Foreign Banknotes (USD & EUR) in Sub-Saharan Africa by Mark Smith, Travelex

Mark Smith will lead a discussion of the changing requirements of foreign banknotes (USD & EUR) in Sub-Saharan Africa, including:

• The key factors that influence the wholesale import and export of foreign currency banknotes;
• The potential threat of Dollarization;
• How foreign currency banknotes influence the parallel economy;
• How Africa foreign banknotes requirements are changing; and,
• The wholesale banknote industry in Africa.

Alongside the general session presentations, a Panel Discussion on Optimizing the Cash Cycle, with speakers from Central Banks, Commercial Banks and Cash Management Companies, will examine issues and improvements in the cash supply chain and explore ways in which the costs of supplying clean, genuine notes and coins may be optimized.

Sponsor Breakout Meetings

The event’s generous Sponsors have also planned a number of focused Breakout Meetings to inform delegates about the newest technologies, processes, and ideas that are currently leading the way in the supplier world. The many breakout meetings planned for the seminar will provide deeper insight into emerging trends and technologies that are set to affect the industry, including:

LOAD.process.PACK – Advanced High-Tech Automation in the Cash Room by Giesecke & Devrient

The session will focus on new automation concepts for processing rooms, from loading of banknotes to packaging. Standardization and automation are key levers for the war on cost of cash. We will zoom into the processing room and have a look on pre- and post-processing: advanced automation leads to unprecedented levels of efficiency! The realization: Standardized trays, combined with automated loading and/or packaging of banknotes are changing cash handling and processing. Such solutions are taking productivity, ergonomics and security to the next level, as case studies show.

Banknotes or Coins or Both? by The Royal Mint

This workshop will explore the arguments for and against coins and banknotes. There will be an interactive review of the many factors to consider, including long-term costs and profit opportunities, public opinion, supply chain regulation, optimisation of the cash cycle and making life easier for the decision maker!

From Disorder to Order How Can the Cash Centre Manage the Expectations of Retailers, Commercial Banks and Central Banks? by Glory Global Solutions

This interactive session explores the differing requirements from each of the players in the cash supply chain. What information do retailers, central banks, commercial banks and cash centres themselves require? How critical is the role of the commercial cash centre in providing this data to its stakeholders and how can technology be best utilised to streamline its provision?

Delegates can also choose from similarly interesting breakout meetings led by De La Rue, I.NETWORK Automation, Innovia Systems, NCR, and Toshiba.

Other educational opportunities available to attendees include a half-day pre-seminar Central Bank Summit (open to delegates from Central Banks only), an interactive sponsor exhibit showcasing the latest concepts and technologies, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of the Middle East’s most renowned banks, Banque du Liban.

Build Your Network and Make Lasting Connections

A definite highlight of CR’s Cash Cycle Seminars are the unsurpassed networking opportunities with industry peers and leaders during the coffee breaks, lunches, and cocktail receptions, not to mention the delegate farewell dinner on the final evening. The MEA Cash Cycle Seminar will provide the perfect environment – professional yet relaxed – for you to build your network and forge lasting connections within the industry.

One Month Left to Register!

CR’s series of Cash Cycle Seminars (Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa & the Middle East) is recognized throughout the world for their strong focus on bringing together best practices, case studies, innovative ideas and technologies, and emerging trends to increase your understanding of the diverse issues and challenges impacting the industry. Many delegates from all sectors of the cash cycle have already confirmed their attendance – have you registered yet for the region’s premier seminar for commercial cash management, distribution, and circulation?

For more information, please visit the MEA Cash Cycle Seminar website