Against the backdrop of rapid digital transformation and shifting global financial dynamics, the International Security Ligue’s 1st Cash Chapter Leadership Forum, held in New York in September, brought together top executives from the cash management industry to reaffirm one message: cash remains essential—for security, resilience, inclusion, and sovereignty.
One Platform, One Voice for the Cash Industry
Opening the forum, José Antonio Lasanta, Chairman of the Cash Chapter and CEO of Prosegur Cash, and Tanja Kulisch-Ziemens, General Secretary of the Cash Chapter of the Ligue, highlighted how the Cash Chapter has evolved into a robust global platform for CEO-level dialogue, strategic coordination, and advocacy during the past 16 months since the Chapter’s inception. With three senior teams—the Regulatory Strategy Group, Regulatory Working Group, and Security Working Group— the Chapter continues to shape industry positions, influence policy, and strengthen cooperation among members worldwide.
The central message was clear: Decide – Advocate – Shape the Future.
The Power of Cash
In a compelling keynote, Prof. Jay Zagorsky of Boston University reminded participants why cash remains indispensable. Drawing from his book, The Power of Cash, he outlined how physical currency supports national resilience, provides a failsafe in crises, protects privacy, encourages financial discipline, and includes those left behind by digitalization.
He called on the industry to promote everyday use of cash to keep cash visible, and even proposed a Global Cash Day (12 March) to raise public awareness.
Cash in the U.S. Economy: Enduring Demand
Steve Son, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s FedCash Services, presented new data showing that while electronic payments are increasing, cash use remains stable and continues to play a vital role—particularly among lower-income and older consumers.
Over 90% of Americans say they plan to keep using cash, a testament to its reliability and cultural importance. Son also underscored the Fed’s ongoing investments in cash resilience, efficiency, and authenticity.
Advocacy in Action: The Payment Choice Coalition
Jim Petit (President Giesecke+Devrient America) and Jeff Thinnes (Founder and CEO JTI Inc.) shared the growing success of the U.S. Payment Choice Coalition, a business-led initiative pushing for the Payment Choice Act—legislation ensuring consumers can pay with cash. With a high majority of voters supporting the Act, and bipartisan traction in Congress, the Coalition’s media reach is extensive, turning data into advocacy and awareness into policy momentum.
Looking Ahead: Digital Trends and Sovereignty
In a forward-looking session, Gregory C. Johnson (CEO Rubicon Crypto, Member Advisory Board Bretton Woods Committee) examined the intersection of digital currencies, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). His message was clear: innovation must not come at the expense of financial sovereignty or inclusion.
The following panel discussion, moderated by Guillaume Nonain, General Counsel EMEA and APAC at Brink’s, united diverse perspectives around one shared insight — cash and digital solutions can coexist, but cash is the only truly sovereign means of payment.
Conclusion: One Industry, One Voice, Together, We Shape the Future
The Forum concluded with unity and purpose. The Cash Chapter has transformed advocacy into action—building a recognized voice in regulatory debates, securing legislative wins, and shaping the global narrative around cash.
We brought the industry together. We have one voice. Cash protection legislation is taking shape—and our efforts are paying off. Let us continue this path for the future of cash. — José Antonio Lasanta, Chairman of the Cash Chapter and CEO of Prosegur Cash
The message was unmistakable: Cash is here to stay—stronger, smarter, and driven by an industry now more united than ever to keep working together.
