Currency
Overview
SICPA is a trusted global security partner to central banks and high-security printers. For over seven decades, SICPA has established itself as a leading developer and supplier of security ink technologies, protecting the majority of the world’s banknotes from the threats of fraud and counterfeiting.
Our comprehensive portfolio encompasses inks developed for a wide range of printing processes including intaglio, offset, silkscreen, gravure, flexography and numbering, as well as solutions tailored for varnish protection and theft deterrence systems. Our technology supports all levels of authentication – from features detectable by the public, covert solutions for controllers and inspectors, or machine-readable authentication through automated systems, to solutions exclusively reserved for issuing authorities and forensic investigators.
Yet our mission goes beyond providing ink solutions. For many years, SICPA has partnered with central banks and high-security printers, offering valuable expertise and advice in currency matters. Our highly experienced client support delivers best-in-class services across all aspects of the cash ecosystem. Dedicated teams provide guidance on a range of topics including design integration of security features, technical assistance during banknote printing process, post-issuance counterfeit analysis, as well as advisory services for the issuance of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
Our partnerships with suppliers and clients are characterised by long-term commitment and mutual trust. Driven by these principles, SICPA not only fulfils its role as a security ink technology provider but also reaches its ultimate mission of actively contributing to the protection of global currency and enabling monetary sovereignty for nation states.
are protected by SICPA security inks
Challenges
The banknote industry is undergoing continuous technological evolution, aiming to better serve the requirements of all cash cycle stakeholders.
At the core of these developments are people’s needs for trust, efficiency, durability, and flexibility. Innovation is key to the rising challenges brought along by the emerging future.
A Symbol of Trust
Banknotes are high-technology products that incorporate an average of 20 security features. They pose a formidable barrier to counterfeiting, making cash the most secure payment method available. While other payment means rely on technology infrastructures and external networks, cash stands apart with its built-in protection, enabling payment anywhere, anytime, and to anyone.
Innovation remains key to preserving the confidence people have in their banknotes. SICPA provides cutting-edge technologies and theft-deterrence solutions to stay one step ahead of criminals and protect banknotes at every stage of the cash cycle.
Striving for Efficiency
Automated banknote processing systems now rely on machine-readable features to handle currency. This advancement has led to a new generation of banknotes featuring luminescent, infrared, and magnetic inks. Such inks and features play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency of banknote automation.
The Durability Factor
While each country's currency requirements may be unique, central banks worldwide share a common goal: to extend the lifespan of banknotes, ensuring their quality and functionality last as long as possible.
The adoption of protective varnishing solutions, as well as the choice of substrate or printing technique profoundly influence the overall longevity of banknotes. SICPA helps designers and central banks optimise the architecture of banknotes to ensure a better durability.
A durable banknote is a determining factor of an efficient and sustainable cash cycle.
Digitalisation of Payments
With the constant arrival of new possibilities and technologies, the banknote industry is also facing the challenge of payment digitalisation. SICPA leverages its expertise and deep understanding of the market to provide guidance to central banks regarding the issuance of CBDC. Our Nabatech joint-venture is dedicated to this mission, enabling us to offer flexible solutions for all forms of currency.
Societies evolve.
Printing technologies evolve.
Banknote design evolves.
Automation process evolves.
Counterfeiting activities evolve.
SICPA solutions evolve.
Solutions & Services
SICPA's comprehensive solutions are tailored for all aspects of the cash ecosystem, ranging from security features and protective varnish to staining inks. Our offer also includes advisory and technical support services for our partners and customers.
Security Inks
Our security inks are developed for all levels of authentication and a wide range of printing processes including intaglio, offset, silkscreen, gravure, flexography and numbering.
Overt features empower users to identify banknotes with the naked eye. Among these, intaglio inks represent the backbone of modern banknotes. This unique printing technique is used to create the unmistakable “banknote feel”, allowing for instant tactile verification. They also include features with colour shifting effects such as SPARK® – SICPA’s flagship optical feature applied on more than 90 currencies across the globe.
The next levels of security features include inks that are readable only with special equipment. Such machine-readable features facilitate banknote automation, making the processing and sorting of cash more efficient and secure. They are also used in forensic analysis conducted by law enforcement agencies.
SICPA inks bring colours and nuances to the full expression of banknote design.
Post-printing Varnish
Post-printing varnish solutions are designed to increase the lifespan of banknotes by providing an effective shield against common threats such as soiling, extreme climatic conditions and natural tearing.
To minimise the need for banknote replacement, SICPA developed a line of post-printing varnishing solutions named SICPAPROTECT®, designed to protect banknotes without compromising their quality and secure properties.
Staining Inks
In many countries, ATM and Cash-in-Transit attacks are rising, revealing the need for upstream protection and traceability systems to retrieve stolen banknotes.
Used as part of Intelligent Banknote Neutralisation Systems (IBNS), SICPA staining inks are automatically sprayed when cash-handling equipment is attacked, leaving highly visible marks on the banknotes. These marks are impossible to remove without damaging the notes’ colours and substrate, even with the most sophisticated cleaning processes.
Customised Services
At SICPA, our mission goes beyond providing ink solutions. We offer consultancy services from the pre-conception stage throughout the entire production of banknotes, as well as post-issuance analysis and technical assistance.
The art of design integration is a combination of security, aesthetics, and functionality. Our experts understand that all design aspects, from printability and durability to the artistic representation of a nation's heritage, must harmoniously converge.
Our technical assistance teams play a crucial role throughout the banknote production process. Delivering 24/7 support, they ensure business continuity and operational fluidity by supporting security printers all around the world.
SICPA also assists issuing authorities and law enforcement agencies in conducting forensic chemical analysis to stay ahead of counterfeiters and criminals.
Explore the tangible impacts of our solutions
Discover how our products and services not only contribute to making banknotes more secure and efficient but can also be used to foster inclusivity among communities.
Echo – The Tactile Project
The tactility of banknotes is a key element for public authentication. This unique “banknote feel” empowers users to intuitively discern the authenticity of a banknote, thanks to a combination of specific substrate and intaglio printing technique. Besides, tactile features play an essential role to enhance the inclusivity of banknotes, as tactile marks enable people with visual impairments to identify banknote denominations only by touch.
In collaboration with a panel of researchers and designers, SICPA developed an intuitive system of intaglio-printed tactile marks to help the visually impaired distinguish banknotes quickly and effectively. The study is based on user experience and resulted in recommendations on the integration of tactile marks and the development of an optimised tactile system with intuitive sensing.
The Swiss Banknote Series
The latest Swiss banknote series integrates the most sophisticated security features and incorporates a wide variety of SICPA security inks and technologies, including offset, silkscreen, intaglio, magnetic and numbering inks as well as varnish protection.
Each denomination reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, paying tribute to Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage while embracing modern security and aesthetic elements. From the majestic Alps to renowned Swiss scientists and artists, the banknotes capture the essence of a nation that values both its traditions and its forward-thinking progress.
The design is a testament to the Swiss dedication to precision, craftsmanship, and innovation, making these banknotes not just a means of exchange but also a canvas of Swiss culture and creativity.
Recognised as one of the world’s most secure currencies, this series has set a new milestone in the history of banknote development, demonstrating SICPA’s commitment to excellence. The 10 and 50 Franc banknotes received the prestigious “Banknote of the Year” distinction awarded by the IBNS.
Events
At SICPA, we are committed to fostering connections and knowledge sharing through our participation in various events and especially in the Global Currency Forum, which provides a platform for industry professionals to come together, share insights, and contribute to innovation.
Upcoming events:
Global Currency Forum 2024
When: September 30 – October 3, 2024
Where: Muscat (Oman), Shangri-La Hotel
Theme: The Value that Cash brings to Society
Powered by the International Currency Association (ICA), the Global Currency Forum is a conference enabling industry leaders to share thoughts on the role of cash in our societies, as well as showcase new solutions and best practices.