The European Central Bank
(ECB) releases the new ?5 banknote
today. This is the first step in the process of releasing new banknotes for all
denominations of the currency. The theme for the new banknotes is Europe and
the new notes will feature different periods of European history.

Today’s release is the culmination
of years of work at the ECB to improve the security and the quality of the
notes that are so important for the European economy.

”We estimate that in the Euro
area 70-80% of the number of transactions, and 50-60% of the value of all
transactions at the point of sale is still made in cash,” said Benoît Couré, ECB
Executive Board member, at a conference earlier this month where the features
of the notes were discussed.

<b>CashGuard is ready for the new banknote – and more</b>

Among other things, the new
banknote has new security features such as a special coating and raised print. It
also features the Greek mythological figure Europa in a hologram and in the
watermark.

CashGuard collaborated with
the ECB during the development of the new banknote. Through an update in our
Store Manager software, and the validation software, all CashGuard systems in
the EU accept the new ? 5 Euro banknote in time for the release. CashGuard
passed the ECB tests with the highest possible scores.

”We will ensure support for
any future changes in notes and coins to uphold good cash management in retail,”
said Dario Costamagna, CashGuard Banknote Specialist.

Since the old ? 5 Euro banknote
is still valid, there will be two versions in circulation. This may cause confusion
about what a real banknote should look like. The CashGuard systems will solve
that.

”If a cashier is unsure
whether a banknote is accepted or not, he or she can just insert it into the
CashGuard system. The system will check the banknote for them,” Costamagna
said.

<b>The new banknote confirms the strength of cash</b>

CashGuard CTO Björn Eriksson sees
the release of the new banknote as one of many signs that cash is an important
payment method that is here to stay in society. He points out that Sweden,
Norway, Denmark and England have, or will soon, release new notes or coins.

”Developing new notes and
coins is a huge investment,” Eriksson said. ”That so many banks in Europe are
doing it, is a clear statement that cash is an important part of the European
economy.”

Couré, of the ECB Executive
Board, seems to agree:

”People across the Euro area
trust their banknotes,” he said at the conference. ”However, the Euro system
should remain ahead of the curve, and that is why we are launching the Europa
series: to increase banknote security, take advantage of technological advances
and maintain public confidence at high levels.

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