Eric Boissonnas, what is your core business?
Banknotes! We provide all the equipment, solutions and services needed for its production: from the computer system used to design banknotes and the innovative security features to the robot that helps to handle the bundles of banknotes and the printing machines.
What is the position of banknotes, particularly in relation to bank cards, digital banking, virtual currencies and crypto-currencies?
In industrialised countries, especially in Switzerland, we pay with cash or credit cards and we all have a bank account. Banknotes are used for payment transactions, but mainly for personal reserves and budget management. In general, banknotes are considered as old-fashioned, but people use it every day. In contrast, people in other parts of the world such as South America, Africa or Asia have a different way of life. They have no stable income, no bank account and cannot afford a credit card. In these countries, banknotes are the only means of payment.
Are digital means of payment and banknotes in competition nowadays?
No! They are complementary means of payment, but one does not replace the other; they coexist. This offers citizens a real choice according to their needs and desires. Today, Central Banks are looking for ways to keep control of both worlds and promote their cohabitation.
What are the advantages of both systems?
Each system has its advantages and flexibility. This is why banknotes and digital means of payment have their reason to exist in parallel. For the Swiss, banknotes are very simple to use. It is always available and is useful when the digital systems are not working.
The Banknote Keeps its Rightful Position as a Mean of Payment
The future of cash
Koenig & Bauer banknote printing