Netherlands Struggles with Access to Cash

At the recent ATMIA Emerging Markets and Europe ATM and Cash Summit, Roel van Anholt, from the Dutch National Bank (DNB), presented on access to cash.

As in Sweden, the Netherlands is a country dealing with the consequences of people using less cash. One part of its response is to turn to legislation. A ‘Cash Payments Act’ is in preparation that will place statutory obligations on banks to offer cash services, requiring them to offer cash infrastructure, and give the DNB new oversight and sanction powers.

The legislation will be shared for consultation, probably in quarter one 2024, and it is estimated to become law in January 2026. While this process is being followed, the Covenant signed with the banks and retail and consumer organisations will remain in force (see below).