HSP EMEA: Regional Banknote of the Year Awards 2025

In February 2025, the historic city of Basel, Switzerland, became the epicenter of global currency innovation as it brought together leaders in currency and secure document design at the prestigious High Security Printing (HSP) EMEA conference. This regional forum focuses on government-issued documents, such as e-passports, ID cards, visas, and currency, recognizing innovations and technological developments in the world of currency.

At the heart of the event is the coveted Regional Banknote of the Year Award, where design meets innovation to honor the most visually stunning and technically advanced banknotes from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. From cultural storytelling to breakthrough security and sustainable materials, this year’s winners are a bold glimpse into the future of money and currency design.

Best New Banknote 2025: UAE 500 Dirham

The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) received the Best New Banknote award for its 500 dirham polymer note, reflecting the UAE's commitment to sustainability and innovation. Printed on De La Rue’s SAFEGUARD® substrate by Oumolat Security Printing, the note features advanced security elements, including a multi-colored KINEGRAM COLORS® stripe from KURZ and a portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The design showcases the Terra Sustainability Pavilion and the Museum of the Future, symbolizing the nation's vision for a sustainable future. Additionally, Braille symbols have been incorporated to aid visually impaired users.

Best New Series 2025: Kenya Shilling Series

The Central Bank of Kenya was honored with the Best New Series award for its updated Kenyan shilling banknotes. Released in August 2024, the series includes denominations of KES 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50.

Designed by Giesecke+Devrient, the notes feature enhanced security elements such as Louisenthal’s RollingStar® i+ thread, with dynamic movement effects and iridescent bands, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and protection against counterfeiting.

Best New Commemorative Banknote 2025: Eswatini 50 Emalangeni

The Central Bank of Eswatini's 50 emalangeni "Green Banknote" commemorating its Golden Jubilee received the Best New Commemorative Banknote 2025 award. Launched by HM King Mswati III, the note features a magenta-to-green RollingStar® i+ thread and images of the country's international airport, Sibebe Rock, and technological icons.

Printed on a sustainable blend of organic cotton and certified cellulose, the banknote aligns with the bank's "Greening the Central Bank" initiative.

Best New House Note 2025: Ocean Dollar & Bulgarian 30th Anniversary Note

Two entries shared the Best New House Note award by the HSPrinting conference this year:

Ocean Dollar by Hueck Folien

This note emphasizes eco-friendly design, incorporating recycled materials such as PET and aluminum. It features the Optomove® security thread and Reef foil stripe, both made from recycled components, achieving significant CO₂ savings.

EcoBreath® paper, created through a collaboration between BP Security and Casa da Moeda do Brasil, is an eco-friendly innovation that turns old banknote waste into new secure paper. By recovering and reusing fibers from discarded currency it helps produce recycled materials suitable for printing both banknotes and passports.

30th Anniversary Note by the Printing Works of the Bulgarian National Bank

One of the joint winners was the Printing Works of the Bulgarian National Bank, which marked its 30th anniversary with its first-ever house note. Inspired by butterflies and chaos theory, the note features a portrait of mathematician Edward Lorenz and visuals illustrating the famous Butterfly Effect. Packed with advanced printing techniques and security elements, like 3D effects, micro-engraving, and intricate imagery, it’s both a technical and artistic masterpiece.

Best New House Note Series 2025: "The Art of Butterflies" by Oberthur Fiduciaire

The final house note award for 2025, given for a full series, went to Oberthur Fiduciaire for The Art of Butterflies. This vibrant collection honors Jean-Pierre Savare, whose leadership over the past 40 years transformed the company itself.

Featuring five butterfly species from François-Charles Oberthur’s renowned collection (housed in the British Museum in London), each note in the series showcases a unique design and security thread like Anima, Pulsar, and Relief, combining artistic beauty with cutting-edge technology.

HSP 2025: Awards for Banknotes That Tell a Story

These banknote awards not only celebrate innovation in design and security but also highlight the deeper stories and values behind the banknotes we use every day, from sustainability and cultural heritage to the latest technological advancements. As currencies continue to evolve with cutting-edge features and meaningful symbolism, it’s a reminder that money is more than just a medium of exchange, but a reflection of culture, progress, and identity.

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