De La Rue has introduced OPTILIGHT™, a next-generation optical security platform for banknotes, following significant investment in innovation and technology. OPTILIGHT combines nano-science, custom built imaging equipment, proprietary algorithms, and utilises their decades of accumulated experience in the field to deliver intuitive optical effects for public authentication.

Giesecke+Devrient has introduced TwinColors® Patch as latest innovation in banknote security, elevating micromirror-based optical features to what it terms a new level of sophistication.

Oberthur unveiled two major additions to its Anima™ micro-optics platform – Anima™ Sign and Anima™ Colour at the recent Global Currency Forum. Both innovations highlighted advances in machine readability and colour versatility, two increasingly important elements in next-generation banknote security, in addition to the integration of all the effects already available in Anima™.

IN Groupe has announced Vibes Shift™, developed by its subsidiary SURYS, which it acquired in 2019 and specialises in optical and digital security solutions. Vibes Shift is an extension of Vibes, which launched in 2023. It offers a striking security feature that meets central bank requirements in combining moving effects, brilliancy, colours adapted to the banknote design and all the other attributes required for a security thread.

The ultra-fast trading platform Fastex recently announced the release of a series of collectible currency notes, each backed 1:1 by FTN token, the platform’s native cryptocurrency. Unveiled in early July at the Harmony Meetup 7 in Yerevan, Armenia, the annual event that unites top minds from Web3 and iGaming, these notes feature banknote-grade anti-counterfeit features provided by Authentix.

Amidst the gradual introduction of a new banknote series, Banco Central de Bolivia (BCB) has also launched a new bicentennial commemorative banknote, which was unveiled at a special event attended by the country’s President at the Casa de Libertad in Sucre, a heritage museum and former church where the country signed its declaration of independence in 1825.

On 29 August, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) marked its 75th anniversary with the issue of a 2,000 rupee (Rs) commemorative banknote under the theme ‘Stability for Prosperity’.

Holograms have a long and successful history as a decorative enhancement on coins (see HN November 2022). Recent releases show that mints are continuing to explore holographic innovation to convey stories, celebrate heritage, enhance value, and improve security.

In the January and February 2025 issues of Holography & Optical Technology News™, we covered banknotes featuring optical innovations from Argentina, Mauritius, Romania, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Kenya, China, the Falklands, and Belize.

On 23 January 2025, the Central Bank of Belize (CBoB) announced a new series of banknotes (in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100) featuring holographic threads and stripes. This announcement signifies a significant milestone in Belize’s financial landscape, showcasing innovative designs that celebrate the country’s rich heritage while embracing modernity.