(editors note: due to delays that were entirely of our own creation, CountingOnCurrency is late in posting n the following pre-event introduction and summary Currency Conference 2017 in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. The last pre-event discount deadline is Friday February 3rd. We certainly would not want any of our faithful readers to blame us for missing this discount opportunity and so we take this brief opportunity to bring the deadline to your attention and to urge you to take advantage to save somer of that precious conference budget while at the same time assuring your attendance is assured at this pre-eminent currency industry event. This years schedule of presentations, workshops, networking events and the always informative and engaging technologies and solutions on display in the Exhibit Hall promise to deliver critically relevant value for every attendee!) REGISTER NOW!

DON’T MISS THE CURRENCY CONFERENCE THIS YEAR  

In just four months—from May 14–17, 2017—delegates from Central Banks, issuing authorities, print works and the leading industry suppliers from around the globe will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel for the next Currency Conference. Organizers Currency Research are delighted with the high-level roster of presenters who will deliver compelling information on the current state of cash, along with discussions pertaining to the most relevant policy-related matters surrounding the currency function.

Marci Chavez, President of Currency Research, said “The conference is honored to have Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, providing the welcome address. Bank Negara Malaysia has a lot to be excited about this year with the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Automated Cash Centre and we are excited thrilled that our delegates will have the opportunity to tour the facility during the conference. We think our delegates will get a lot of value out of seeing the ACC in action, and to hear from the Governor about the state of cash in Malaysia today.”

Speaking of the state of cash…

What’s on the horizon for the payments landscape? The Currency Conference program addresses the question head-on.

Alejandro Alegre (General Director of Currency Issuance & Main Cashier, Banco de México) will discuss the state of the cash payments landscape today, and what short-term scenarios the industry could expect as cash payments are expected to decrease in many regions in the near future due to growth in non-cash payments. On the other hand, with risk and fraud in non-cash payments on the rise, confidence can be lost, so what will follow – a return to checks and bartering? Mr. Alegre’s presentation should spur lively discussion amongst delegates.

Mark Gould (First Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Cash Product Office Director, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco) will discuss US payments trends, sharing results from the latest Diary of Consumer Payment Choice and how these trends will have an impact on FedCash policies, service levels, and investment needs. For those with an interest in the US direction and viewpoint, this presentation is a must.

Ton Roos (Director of Cash Services, European Central Bank) will also present feedback from the field—how data from the Eurosystem survey about cash use at points of sale from 2015-2016 will affect the future of euro circulation. The survey results also provide a better understanding of the differences in payment behavior throughout the euro area, and how banknote circulation may develop in the future accordingly, especially against the backdrop of the recent political climate in Europe.

Christina Wejshammar (Head of Department, Cash and Payment Systems, Sveriges Riksbank) will present the drivers behind the decision to adopt new coins and notes even in a country considered to be on the vanguard of the “cashless” society. Why would Sweden invest in updating and issuing a new series when its citizenry is famously devoted to cashless transactions? Ms. Wejshammar will provide the intriguing reasons why.

David Hensley (Director of Cash Services, Cash Services UK) will make the case for cash—but will stress the need for sustainability planning to maintain cash viability in the long term. According to Mr. Hensley, Central Banks hold the key to sustainability by helping the supply chain focus on making long-term decisions for the benefit of the economy, and getting all stakeholders aligned behind a common vision or goal.

In addition to individual presentations that will address the payment landscape, one of the three panel discussions of the conference, titled The Future Payment Landscape, will be led by the International Currency Association (ICA). This panel will be focused on the technological, philosophical/cultural, and legal implications of a cash vs. cashless society. With Ralf Wintergerst (Chairman of the ICA and Chairman of the Management Board, Giesecke & Devrient) at the helm, the panel will paint a picture of tomorrow’s society and its relationship with money. Will technology and culture change the game for the currency industry, and, if so, how? This panel will include participants with a legal, philosophical/cultural and technological background, offering delegates some interesting, alternative, viewpoints.

Follow these links to learn more about the presentations and panel discussions at the Currency Conference in Kuala Lumpur.

And the award goes to…
Don’t miss the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) Excellence in Currency Awards and the Currency Hall of Fame

Nominations are currently open for the IACA Currency Awards  (but hurry – the nomination period closes on February 3, 2017). The awards are open to any organization or individual supplying products, systems or services to the currency industry and anyone can make a nomination for a category (you do not have to be an IACA member to nominate or win—but you do to vote). The categories for awards are:

• Best New Banknote or Series
• Best New Commemorative or Limited Circulation Banknote
• Best Communication Award 
• Best Banknote Processing Innovation
• Best New House Note

IACA will also induct a new Currency Hall of Fame member during the Currency Conference. The Currency Hall of Fame honors distinguished contributors to the currency industry in their home countries and around the world. Learn more about the nomination process for the Hall of Fame here.

Finally, if you are an IACA member, you’re invited to attend an interactive luncheon discussion during the Currency Conference. Click here for details.

If you are responsible for coins, don’t miss The Royal Mint Coin Management Training Programme

The Royal Mint is inviting Central Bank and Monetary Authority delegates to attend a pre-conference session focused on addressing key issues faced by issuing authorities across the globe. This interactive workshop is an opportunity for qualified delegates at the Currency Conference to benefit from a targeted session that focuses on challenges such as coin forecasting, stimulating coin circulation, calculating seigniorage and more. The workshop will be held the day before the Currency Conference opens, on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Contact The Royal Mint for details here.

Connect with fellow delegates in the Exhibition Hall and at the Currency Conference Special Events 

The presentations will generate a lot of material for discussion at the Currency Conference, but the agenda also generously allows time for peers to engage and share experiences with one another, and with leading industry suppliers. The Exhibit Hall is the central point for connecting with one another—coffee breaks and a networking reception will be served in the area. The Gala Dinner on Wednesday, May 17th is also a wonderful way to enjoy some relaxation time with fellow delegates while experiencing a spectacular performance showcasing Malaysian culture that you won’t want to miss.

The last discounted rate for the Currency Conference is about to expire on February 3, 2017!

If you haven’t registered for the Currency Conference yet, we urge you to do so soon so you can take advantage of this wealth of information and experience—and the last of the discounted rates for the Conference. Click here to register before February 3, 2017 and lock in the standard rate. Registrations starting February 4, 2017 increase to the late rate.