A brand new period in U.S. foreign money is on the horizon. Starting in 2026, the Federal Reserve will provoke essentially 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 way of the $100 be aware in 2034. These new notes will incorporate cutting-edge safety features to safeguard towards 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 quick reply for a lot of is—no. Far too many FIs are nonetheless working on legacy techniques 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 These outdated units—whether or not within the type of ATMs, TCRs, or foreign money counters and sorters —pose a severe threat of rejecting real banknotes or, worse, failing to detect counterfeits.
This transition isn’t just a know-how improve—it’s a essential safety mandate.
Why Pressing Motion Is Wanted
The menace panorama is evolving. Counterfeiters aren’t solely utilizing superior printing strategies however now leverage synthetic intelligence to copy safety features with alarming precision. In reality, counterfeit foreign money in circulation within the U.S. is estimated at $70 – 200 million (Supply: United States Division of Treasury] and the ways behind its creation are rising extra refined yearly.
The redesigned notes are anticipated to function strong, machine-readable safety enhancements that can problem even essentially the most superior fraudsters. However to make full use of those options, FIs should proactively replace their software program, firmware, and—the place mandatory—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 potential to course of the brand new be aware collection. In some circumstances, firmware and software program updates will suffice; in others, full {hardware} replacements could also be unavoidable.
Equally necessary is worker coaching. Tellers, department workers, and cash-handlers should be accustomed to the brand new designs and options. Coaching applications ought to deal with visible authentication, system operation, and escalation procedures for suspected counterfeit detection.
The objective is straightforward: decrease 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 very important part 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 techniques. We’re able to associate together with your establishment to evaluate readiness, deploy improve methods, and practice your groups for the way forward for safe money. As a know-how 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 immediately by downloading G+D’s free whitepaper right here, “A Information to Navigating Counterfeit Foreign money Developments within the U.S.” to discover skilled insights and actionable steps for safeguarding your cash-handling infrastructure.
