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 many years—beginning with the $10 invoice in 2026, adopted by the $50 in 2028, $20 in 2030, $5 in 2032 and persevering with via the $100 observe in 2034. These new notes will incorporate cutting-edge security measures to safeguard towards counterfeiting, improve public confidence, and guarantee machine-readability throughout more and more digital money ecosystems.
Whereas this modernization represents a optimistic 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 methods not outfitted to course of or authenticate the brand new era 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 These outdated units—whether or not within the type of ATMs, TCRs, or foreign money counters and sorters —pose a severe danger of rejecting real banknotes or, worse, failing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 important 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 security measures with alarming precision. In truth, 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 characteristic sturdy, machine-readable safety enhancements that may 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 crucial—change incompatible gear.
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 ought to be assessed for his or her capability 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 essential is worker coaching. Tellers, department employees, and cash-handlers must be acquainted with the brand new designs and options. Coaching applications ought to concentrate on visible authentication, machine operation, and escalation procedures for suspected counterfeit detection.
The purpose is easy: reduce transaction friction, shield prospects, and guarantee seamless integration of the brand new notes into each day operations to maintain the money cycle environment friendly and resilient.
Trying Forward
Money stays a trusted and 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 will not be non-obligatory—it’s important.
Giesecke+Devrient has many years of expertise serving to monetary establishments worldwide improve and safe their foreign money processing methods. We’re able to associate along with your establishment to evaluate readiness, deploy improve methods, and practice 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 in the present day by downloading G+D’s free whitepaper right here, “A Information to Navigating Counterfeit Forex Traits within the U.S.” to discover knowledgeable insights and actionable steps for safeguarding your cash-handling infrastructure.