404 Not Found

SMI is the acknowledged world leader in the provision of independent technical & commercial expertise to the currency industry. Founded in 1994, SMI consultants each have many years’ experience working in the currency industry, and consequently have extensive knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the banknote and coin markets, offering consultancy services on a range of issues related to the security, manufacture, issue, circulation and management of physical cash in the economy.

Russia to issue Crimea commemorative banknote

Banknotes, Coin, Currency, NewsBy SMI 12/12/2014

A report by The Moscow Times, states that Russia’s Central Bank is to release a 100-ruble banknote commemorating the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The banknote is currently being designed and the artwork is yet to be made public. This follows the release of two 10-ruble coins which feature Crimean landmarks – one a Crimean castle and…

Microsoft to accept Bitcoin payments

Cashless Payments, News, TechnologyBy SMI 11/12/2014

The increasingly popular virtual currency can now be chosen by users to add funds to their Microsoft accounts to pay for services such as games and videos on XBox games consoles, Windows phone apps and services, or to purchase Microsoft’s software. Rather than making an official announcement, Microsoft added a page to its customer support…

Mauritania issues new Guardian® polymer banknote

Banknotes, NewsBy SMI 05/12/2014

Innovia Security have issued a statement advising that the Central Bank of Mauritania has issued its new 1000 Ouguiya banknote printed on Guardian® polymer substrate. Guardian® is now used in 78 banknote denominations, by 24 countries. The Central Bank has reduced the size of the 1000 Ouguiya banknote to 142mm by 70mm which, it says,…

Rwandans advised to use less cash

Banknotes, Coin, Currency, NewsBy SMI 05/12/2014

According to an article by the Rwandan news agency The New Times, Rwandans have been advised to use less cash in their daily transactions to help minimise banknote wear and tear. John Rwangombwa, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, is promoting the use of cashless payment methods, such as electronic cards, and mobile phone…

Cuba to issue new banknotes

Banknotes, Currency, NewsBy SMI 24/11/2014

According to various news reports, the Central Bank of Cuba (Banco Nacional de Cuba) has announced that it will be introducing new security features to its banknotes as part of its monetary reform. The denominations affected will be the 20, 50 and 100 pesos and will notably have an updated watermark image. Source: CubaSi

New Zealand reveals new banknote designs

Banknotes, Currency, NewsBy SMI 21/11/2014

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has unveiled designs for their next series of banknotes. Named “Brighter Money”, the new notes use bright colours in their designs and will also incorporate modern security features whilst continuing to use polymer substrates. The Bank states that the new banknote series will continue to use the same denominations,…

De La Rue’s Safeguard® used for new Gambia banknote

Banknotes, Currency, NewsBy SMI 19/11/2014

De La Rue has reported that it’s SafeGuard® polymer substrate has been selected by the Central Bank of The Gambia for its new 20 Dalasi banknote denomination. The new banknote is being issued into circulation to commemorate 20 years of governance by the President His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Abdul-Azziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh. De…

Crane Currency and the Bank of Morocco to print international banknotes

Banknotes, Currency, News, TechnologyBy SMI 14/11/2014

Banknote printer Crane Currency has entered a partnership with the Central Bank of Morocco, Bank Al-Maghrib, to print international banknotes. A statement detailing the partnership was issued on websites for both Crane and Bank Al-Maghrib dated November 12, 2014. The agreement is expected to be beneficial for both parties, by contributing “to the global expansion…

Mauritius begins “Clean Bank Note Program”

Banknotes, Currency, NewsBy SMI 05/11/2014

On the 3rd November 2014, the Central Bank of Mauritius announced that it is to embark on a “Clean Bank Note Programme” due to finding an increasing number of banknotes which have been defaced. “The Bank has noted, with concern, an increasing number of instances where banknotes are being defaced, either by writing, printing, drawing…

Trinidad and Tobago to issue new $50 polymer banknote

Banknotes, NewsBy SMI 29/10/2014

The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has announced that it will be introducing a new polymer $50 banknote in December 2014. This is the first polymer note to be issued by the Bank, which it says will help make the note not only more durable but more secure too, utilising its “leading edge security…