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.

Image of the De La Rue (DLR) logo

DLR appoints new Chief Financial Officer

De La Rue plc (DLR) has announced the appointment of Helen Willis as the Chief Financial Officer as well as an Executive Director of the Company. The announcement was made today on the DLR website. Helen Willis, who joined DLR in April 2018 as the interim CFO in April 2018, will take the CFO role with immediate effect,…

National Bank of Ukraine reveals new 20 hryvnia banknote

The National Bank of Ukraine has revealed the 2018 design of the 20 hryvnia banknote featuring new and up-to-date anti-counterfeit security features. The new paper banknote will be issued into circulation on 25 September 2018. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) is gradually issuing its latest banknote series which began on 2014 with the 100 hryvnia followed by…

Thumbnail image of the South Africa Madiba 2018 series.

South Africa celebrates Mandela centenary

South Africa is marking the centenary of late President Nelson Mandela’s birth, including the South African Reserve Bank who have released a commemorative banknotes series and R5 coin. South Africa Banknotes The new commemorative banknotes are known as the South Africa Madiba series, so called from Mandela’s clan name. The notes have been designed by De La…

Thumbnail image of Solomon Islands new $20 banknote.

Solomon Islands celebrate with new banknote and coin

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands has issued a limited edition $40 commemorative banknote and $2 coin to celebrate the country’s 40th anniversary of independence. The commemorative banknote was designed by De La Rue and its theme of independence is captured with the phrase ‘A call to nation to come together as one and move…

Hungary unveils 500-forint banknote

The Central Bank of Hungary has unveiled the new 500-forint banknote upgrade, the last in the current upgraded series of notes which the Bank started to issue in 2014. Specific details are yet to be revealed but there appears to be a new holographic foil stripe on the left of the note’s front as well…

Thumbnail image of the 2018 20 boliviano banknote from Bolivia.

Bolivia issues 20-boliviano banknote

The Central Bank of Bolivia has issued and circulated the new 20- boliviano banknote, the second in the latest First Family of Tickets (PFB) of the Plurinational State [translated] following the issuance of the 10-boliviano banknote in April 2018. The design of the paper banknote includes illustrations of three historical figures, namely Genoveva Ríos, celebrated…

Thumbnail image of the South Sudan 100 banknote.

South Sudan to issue new high value 500-pound banknote

According to local reports, the Bank of South Sudan will soon be issuing a new high value 500-pound banknote, as a result of soaring inflation in the country. The 500-pound South Sudan banknote will be the highest denomination in the current note series, officially valued at around US $3.84 at today’s date. Whilst one US dollar is…

India 100 banknote thumbnail

Reserve Bank of India exploring features for visually impaired

The Reserve Bank of India intends to explore the feasibility of developing a feature to assist those with visual impairments to identify Indian banknotes. The Reserve Bank announced its intention to focus on features for the visually impaired in its June 2018 Statement on Developmental and Regulation Policies. Highlighting the advancement in technology in such…

Thumbnail image of the 2011 Sudan 50 banknote.

Sudan Central Bank issues new 50-pound banknote

The Central Bank of Sudan has issued a new 50-pound circulating banknote in response to a rise in counterfeit currency in the country. Inflation in Sudan has been growing, and was recorded at 57.7% in April this year. The spread of counterfeit banknotes has been cited as the cause in an increase in liquidity, pushing up prices for…