A brand new period in U.S. foreign money is on the horizon. Starting in 2026, the Federal Reserve will provoke probably the most complete rollout of redesigned banknotes in a long time—beginning with the $10 invoice in 2026, adopted by the $50 in 2028, $20 in 2030, $5 in 2032 and persevering with by the $100 observe in 2034. These new notes will incorporate cutting-edge security measures to safeguard in opposition to counterfeiting, improve public confidence, and guarantee machine-readability throughout more and more digital money ecosystems.
Whereas this modernization represents a constructive step ahead in foreign money safety, it additionally introduces an pressing problem: Are monetary establishments (FIs) ready to acknowledge and authenticate the brand new banknotes?
The brief reply for a lot of is—no. Far too many FIs are nonetheless working on legacy programs not outfitted to course of or authenticate the brand new technology of foreign money. These outdated units—whether or not within the type of ATMs, TCRs, or foreign money counters and sorters —pose a severe danger of rejecting real banknotes or, worse, failing to detect counterfeits.
This transition is not only a expertise improve—it’s a crucial safety mandate.
Why Pressing Motion Is Wanted
The risk panorama is evolving. Counterfeiters usually are not solely utilizing superior printing strategies however now leverage synthetic intelligence to copy security measures with alarming precision. Actually, counterfeit foreign money in circulation within the U.S. is estimated at $70 – 200 million (Supply: United States Division of Treasury] and the techniques behind its creation are rising extra refined yearly.
The redesigned notes are anticipated to function strong, machine-readable safety enhancements that may problem even probably the most superior fraudsters. However to make full use of those options, FIs should proactively replace their software program, firmware, and—the place obligatory—substitute incompatible tools.
Steps Towards Readiness
Preparation begins with an inner audit by evaluating the cash-handling infrastructure to find out improve paths and compatibility. ATMs, foreign money counters, and teller units must be assessed for his or her means to course of the brand new observe collection. In some circumstances, firmware and software program updates will suffice; in others, full {hardware} replacements could also be unavoidable.
Equally vital is worker coaching. Tellers, department workers, and cash-handlers should be accustomed to the brand new designs and options. Coaching applications ought to give attention to visible authentication, system operation, and escalation procedures for suspected counterfeit detection.
The purpose is straightforward: reduce transaction friction, defend clients, and guarantee seamless integration of the brand new notes into each day operations to maintain the money cycle environment friendly and resilient.
Wanting Forward
Money stays a trusted and important element of the U.S. monetary system—even in an more and more digital world. The Federal Reserve’s funding in next-generation notes displays a long-term dedication to money safety. For [FIs], responding with equal urgency isn’t elective—it’s important.
Giesecke+Devrient has a long time of expertise serving to monetary establishments worldwide improve and safe their foreign money processing programs. We’re able to associate together with your establishment to evaluate readiness, deploy improve methods, and prepare your groups for the way forward for safe money. As a expertise chief, our providing combines {hardware}, software program and providers into clever and scalable options for a resilient and environment friendly money cycle.
Is your department prepared for 2026 and past? Put together your establishment at present by downloading G+D’s free whitepaper right here, “A Information to Navigating Counterfeit Foreign money Traits within the U.S.” to discover professional insights and actionable steps for safeguarding your cash-handling infrastructure.