Syria has begun circulating new banknotes as part of a currency reform to stabilize its economy after years of conflict, replacing old notes with a simplified version that removes two zeros, with the process aimed at economic recovery and easing inflation.
Syria has removed the Assad family from its banknotes as part of a currency relaunch, signaling a move towards economic reform and possibly aiming to modernize its currency and reduce familial political influence.
Japan is set to issue new banknotes as early as July 2024, featuring the faces of Eiichi Shibusawa, Umeko Tsuda, and Shibasaburo Kitasato on the 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen bills, respectively. The new banknotes will also include holograms to prevent forgery and adopt images of Tokyo Station, wisteria, and a work on Mt. Fuji by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai on their backs.
Japan will issue new banknotes in July 2024, featuring the faces of Eiichi Shibusawa, Umeko Tsuda, and Shibasaburo Kitasato on the 10,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 1,000 yen bills, respectively. The backs of the notes will feature images of Tokyo Station, wisteria, and a work by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The banknotes will include holograms to prevent forgery and are currently being printed by the National Printing Bureau.
India's central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, has announced that it will begin withdrawing 2,000-rupee notes from circulation, although they will remain legal tender. People will be asked to deposit the notes in their bank accounts or exchange them for smaller denominations between May 23 and Sept. 30, and they will be able to exchange up to 20,000 Indian rupees at a time.
Thieves stole $15 million worth of gold and other valuables from containers at Toronto Pearson Airport, intercepting them once they were offloaded from an aircraft. The container had a high-value shipment, including gold and other items of monetary value. The stolen container measured about 5 square feet in size and held gold as well as other high-value items, which are believed to include banknotes. The airline involved has not been officially confirmed, but confidential documents reportedly show it was an Air Canada plane. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating the incident.
De La Rue, the world's largest banknote maker, issued a profit warning due to a 20-year low in demand for banknotes. Central banks around the world are working through stockpiles acquired during the pandemic, resulting in a low order book for De La Rue going into FY24. The company now expects its full-year adjusted operating profit for the 2024 fiscal year to be around low-£20 million, half of its previous unadjusted estimates of £40.1 million. De La Rue is discussing with banks about amending lending terms that will take into account the company's revised outlook and higher interest rates.