Cash demand is expected to grow both in Poland and internationally, and cash will remain a crucial safeguard in crisis situations such as war or cyber attacks, according to a representative of Polska Wytwórnia Papierów Wartościowych (PWPW). The state-owned company, responsible for producing banknotes, passports, and digital identity solutions, sees physical money as an indispensable element of economic resilience.
Speaking to WNP during the CYBERSEC EXPO & FORUM 2026, Jakub Olszowiec from PWPW’s Strategy, Development and Project Management Office emphasized that cash is a symbol of freedom and an integral part of a functioning economy. – We constantly monitor the digital currency market, and our forecasts, aligned with those of central banks and research institutions, predict an increase in demand for cash. Cash is a means of security in case of war or cyber attack. Therefore, I believe the future of cash looks promising – it is one of the best safeguards – said Olszowiec.
Cash as a hedge against digital disruption
The key advantage of cash over all other payment methods is its independence from digital systems. – Cash is available regardless of the state of digital systems – noted the PWPW representative. This makes it a critical backup when power grids or internet networks fail. PWPW, as a core element of Poland’s critical infrastructure, must meet very high cybersecurity standards while continuing to manufacture traditional documents and develop modern solutions such as electronic signatures and identity verification.
Olszowiec pointed out that PWPW is a regional champion in Central and Eastern Europe. The company not only serves the domestic market but also exports its products, particularly to South America. – We have recently produced a collector banknote for Guatemala that won a special award – he said, highlighting the company’s growing international footprint.
PWPW’s global ambitions and digital transformation
Beyond physical security, PWPW is investing in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity hygiene. The company balances its traditional role as a printer of banknotes and passports with a push into digital identity systems. This dual focus ensures that even as digital payments expand, the physical cash infrastructure remains robust.
– My colleagues and I in the strategy office see cash as a security measure for the future. It is not an anachronism but a vital tool in crisis management – added Olszowiec. The institution’s confidence in cash is backed by forecasts from central banks and research bodies, which see rising demand driven by geopolitical tensions and the need for resilient payment systems.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. WNP.PL
