The Cash Conundrum: Value, Crime, and the Future of Currency

This chapter explores the shifting dynamics of cash usage in favor of digital transactions, accentuated by the pandemic. It scrutinizes the hidden aspects of banknotes as tools for both legitimate value storage and illicit activities, while also highlighting the complexities of money laundering. Additionally, the narrative addresses the challenges linked to high denomination bills, suggesting a need for reform despite resistance from central banks benefiting from their existence.