Iceland may replace smallest banknote

Banknotes, News

The Central Bank of Iceland has revealed that it is considering replacing the 500 kroner banknote with a coin and discontinuing the 1, 5 and 10 kroner coins, the three lowest value coins in its series. The Bank’s annual report published last week explained that due to the fact that inflation has remained at a…

Lebanon launches new Safeguard™ polymer banknote

Banknotes, News

The Banque du Liban has launched a new commemorative polymer banknote produced on De La Rue’s Safeguard™ polymer substrate. The 50,000 LBP note has been issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Banque du Liban. The note includes a clear window which incorporates De La Rue’s SPARK® Orbital™ feature in the…

Thai New Year increases banknote demand

Banknotes, News

In preparation for Songkran, the Bank of Thailand announces it has increased cash reserves to Bt470 billion (US$ 14.5 billion) to meet banknote demand. Songkran is a festival celebrating the traditional Thai New Year which is held in April. The Bank of Thailand anticipates that the demand for banknotes will increase during the festival. Dr…

Falkland Islands

Argentina launches commemorative Falklands banknote

Banknotes, News

Argentina has launched a new 50-peso banknote featuring a map of the Falkland Islands to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the invasion of the islands. The note was presented by the Argentinian president Cristina Kirchner in Buenos Aires. The value of the new note is around £4 (US $7). The front of the note displays…

Bitcoin ATM opens in Israel

Currency, News

A Bitcoin ATM has been opened in Israel. The ATM was opened on the 30 March at the “Bitcoin emBassy”, a non-profit group based in Tel Aviv. The new machine, operated by the Bits of Gold company, enables users to purchase Bitcoin credits in exchange for cash. “I am proud that the embassy has made…

Vodafone’s M-Pesa launches in Europe

Cashless Payments, News

Vodafone’s Money Transfer, commonly known as M-PESA, is a highly successful money transfer service which has arrived in Europe after being launched in Romania yesterday. The service enables users who do not have a bank account, or limited access to one, to send and receive money, top-up air time, make bill payments and make a…

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IRS decides bitcoin is property, not currency

Currency, News

Last week the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the USA ruled that the digital currency Bitcoin should be treated as property, not a currency, for tax purposes. This means that every transaction a Bitcoin user makes will have to be reported in some way. If it had been ruled as a digital currency, this would…