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Cash, the oldest preserved means of payment, is used in most of all consumer purchases in the world. Despite the advancements of credit cards and the growing number of opportunities to pay electronically or with mobile, both the number of cash transactions and the amount of cash in circulation globally are increasing.
In today’s digital and mobile world, it may seem strange that the handling of banknotes and coins is anything but a thinning business. On the contrary, cash management is an area that is both growing and under great pressure of change. The causes are numerous. An increasing amount of cash in the world as a result of economic growth in population-rich markets is increasing the need for cash management. In addition, both technology and processes are being developed that increase the efficiency of cash handling and thus open up new customer markets. The rapid development coupled with the socially critical function provided also means that legislators and central banks have an important task in establishing progressive frameworks.
This study describes the global development of the cash management market. The point of departure is not the “to be or not to be” of cash as a means of payment, but instead the clear increase in demand that is happening in the world as a result of increased cash use. As long as cash is used, there is a direct need to control, transport, protect and store it. Increasing the efficiency of these activities reduces costs, safety risks and environmental impact. As needs grow, so do markets and there is no indication that needs are declining for the foreseeable future.
The study focuses on how different stages in the cash management chain act to increase efficiency and reduce risks. It describes the driving forces for cash management, provides an overview of cash management sub-markets and highlights opportunities for Swedish operations in the global market.