Latest News

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

5 min read

Banknote Industry Strives to Thrive

Nestling in the heart of the Balkans, Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, was the picturesque setting for the latest edition of the High Security Printing™ (HSP) conference series (4-6 March). The sell-out event, which had to close its doors to new registrations three weeks in advance, brought delegates up to speed about what is happening to banknotes in the region and around the world.

Events

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

4 min read

Best in Design and Innovation in EMEA Recognised at 2024 Awards

The Regional Banknote and ID Document of the Year Awards form part of the industry’s High Security Printing (HSP) EMEA conference. This year’s awards were presented at a special ceremony during the conference dinner in Sofia on 5 March.

Banknotes

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

3 min read

Turning Cash into Compost

Last July, Currency News™ reported that BioBanknote, the developer of solutions for repurposing end of life banknotes, and the Banco Central de Reserva del Perú (BRCP) were conducting a composting test with the waste from banknotes withdrawn from circulation. This article provides the results of that trial.

Sustainability

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

3 min read

Programme Overview – 2024 Banknote Conference

The 2024 Banknote Conference program was formed with the ideas, insights, and suggestions from the Banknote Advisory Board. As the industry’s premier technology-focused event, the committee’s input is a valuable part of the overall program structure, say organisers Currency Research, ensuring the most relevant, technology-focused topics for our industry today are covered such as the latest advancements in currency technology, trends, security features, and much more.

Events

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

2 min read

Note and Coin News

Banco Central República Argentina has confirmed that new 10,000 and 20,000 peso (ARS) notes will enter into circulation in June.

Banknotes Coins

Francisco Mandiola

2 April 2024

6 min read

Don’t Cry for Milei, Argentina

In this article, Francisco Mandiola of FMA Secure explains what is happening in South America’s second largest country and economy, and what it means for the currency.

Substrates, Features

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

3 min read

BEP Pushes Ahead with Modernisation, Expansion and New Series

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has published its annual report for 2023 – the first under Acting Director Charlene E Williams, who was appointed to the position after the retirement of Len Olijar last July.

Companies

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

2 min read

Crane to Acquire OpSec

Crane NXT, whose subsidiaries include Crane Currency, Crane Authentication and Crane Payment Innovations, has announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Investcorp Technology Partners to acquire the optical technologies and brand protection specialist OpSec Security for $270 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments.

Companies

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

2 min read

People in the News

The Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey has appointed Fatih Karahan as its new Governor.

News

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

5 min read

News in Brief

De La Rue has announced that it has achieved an A- in its 2023 CDP Climate Change Questionnaire, which means it has reached leadership status (A and A- scores).

News

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

5 min read

A Positive Picture for Cash Companies in 2023 – Part 2

Last month, we covered the annual results of four of the major companies in the cash sector –Crane NXT, Loomis, NCR Atleos and Diebold Nixdorf. After the predicable challenges of the COVID years and their aftermath, 2023 was a good year for all.

Companies

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

3 min read

Around the World – Counterfeiting Update

A new periodic series of articles in Currency News™ will summarise information on counterfeit currency around the world, starting in this issue with the Czech Republic, Ghana, Kosovo and the Philippines.

Counterfeiting

Kerre Corbin

2 April 2024

2 min read

Counterfeit Corner

Many counterfeiters use a common method of counterfeiting called ‘bleaching’ to create their fakes. This technique is frequently observed in countries that have the same size banknotes across all denominations, such as the US dollar.

Counterfeiting

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

2 min read

IACA Awards – the Finalists Are…

The International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) has announced the finalists of the 2024 Excellence in Currency Technical Awards. The winners for all four categories will be announced at the Banknote Conference Awards Dinner on the evening of 15 May.

Technology

Astrid Mitchell

2 April 2024

11 min read

The SIR – the Next Frontier in Security Images

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association has recently expanded the Hologram Image Register to incorporate all optically variable security images. The Security Image Register (SIR) is the only database of its kind for the security community, safeguarding copyright and helping deter attempts to copy security images, inadvertently or otherwise.

Free Substrates, Features Free

Astrid Mitchell

29 Feb. 2024

4 min read

News In Brief

Banque de France has appointed the Alstef Group to supply the process automation system at its printworks and logistics centre in Vic-Le-Comte, which is currently under construction.

News

Astrid Mitchell

29 Feb. 2024

3 min read

Intaglio Platemaking for the Future from Jura and OEBS

A cooperative project between Jura (the developer of security prepress systems including software and hardware solutions) and OeBS (the Austrian banknote printer) has worked to develop direct engraved steel (S-DLE) intaglio printing plates, thus eliminating the use of an environmentally dangerous process and materials.

Companies

Astrid Mitchell

29 Feb. 2024

3 min read

Cash Recycling and Recirculation

The second Cash Sustainability Forum (CSF) takes place in Frankfurt, Germany from 24-26 June. On the first afternoon will be a workshop dedicated to the recycling and recirculation of cash. It will build on a white paper currently being researched and prepared and for which input is still very welcome.

Events

Astrid Mitchell

29 Feb. 2024

2 min read

Getting Ready for the Future

Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions (K&B BNS) has pre- launched its new production platform called ‘AKTINA’.

Companies

Astrid Mitchell

29 Feb. 2024

2 min read

Increase in Notes (and Coins) for US Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve Board of Governors has confirmed the order for banknotes for 2024, which will be in the range of 5.3-6.9 billion notes, valued at $180.5-204.4 billion.

Central Banks