Banque de France Doubles Down on Cash

At a time when central banks in many European countries are distancing themselves from the business of banknote production, and/or focusing on digital alternatives to cash, the Banque de France (BdF) is going in the opposite direction – doubling down not just on printing but also substrate production through major investments. It has also restructured and bolstered the cash distribution infrastructure, taking proactive steps to ensure that French citizens have access its products!

Currency News™ spoke to Emmanual Devaux, BdF’s Commercial Director who has been with the institution since 1997, and Adrien Zarantonello, Export Sales and Marketing Manager, about recent developments, why the Bank is investing so much in technology and infrastructure, and its position at the intersection between state and citizens for cash, not just in France, but in the international arena as well.

Q: First, can you provide some background to BdF – history, employees and its activities regarding cash?