We are delighted to share the latest additions to the Global Currency Forum 2026

programme, an influential gathering of senior central bank leaders, exceptional

practitioners, and forward-thinking experts who are shaping the future of cash,

financial stability, and global payment ecosystems.

Below is an overview of some of the distinguished speakers who will be joining us in

Antalya, Türkiye, from 27–30 April 2026.

Thierry Breton, Former Minister for Economic Affairs, Finance and Industry of

France

Thierry Breton, former Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry of France, brings a

rare depth of experience at the intersection of national economic policy, European

market strategy, and global financial governance.

Having worked closely with international

institutions including the IMF and the European

Investment Bank, Mr. Breton offers

authoritative insight into the challenges of

monetary stability and cash resilience in an

increasingly uncertain world. In his keynote,

“Managing Cash in the 21st Century: Building

Resilience in an Uncertain World,” he will

explore how public institutions and financial

systems can adapt to geopolitical, economic,

and technological change.

Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank

Burkhard Balz has served as a Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche

Bundesbank since 2018, where he is responsible for Payments and Settlement

Systems, Cash Management, the Digital Euro, and International Central Bank Dialogue.

In addition to his executive role, Mr. Balz is a member of

the Eurosystem High-Level Task Force on Central Bank

Digital Currency, serves on the BIS Committee on

Payments and Market Infrastructures, and, since January

2024, has been an alternate member of the BIS Board of

Directors. His work places him at the forefront of global

discussions on the future of payments, cash, and

monetary infrastructure.

Matthias Schroth, Director of Legal Services, Cash Management and Equity

Interests Department, OeNB

As Director of Legal Services, Cash Management

and Equity Interests at the Austrian National Bank

(OeNB), Mr. Schroth oversees the institution’s

medium- to long-term cash strategy. He also

manages the OeNB’s equity interests and leads its

legal department, bringing an exceptional breadth of

strategic, regulatory, and operational expertise.

Peder Natvig, Assistant Director, Chief Cashier’s Department, Norges Bank

With more than 26 years at Norges Bank, Peder Natvig

has played a central role in Norway’s currency

operations. His work includes overseeing central bank

depot operations, procurement of banknotes and coins,

and serving as the technical project leader for

Norway’s latest banknote series, issued between 2017

and 2019. Peder brings deep, practical insight into

currency design, resilience, and operational

excellence.

Pairote Balun, Director, Production Office, Note Printing Works (Bank of Thailand)

With over 20 years of experience in banknote planning, production, and operations, Dr. Pairote Balun oversees Thai banknote manufacturing, including design, platemaking, and ink production. His previous roles at the Bank of Thailand span corporate strategy, risk management, and procurement, giving him a comprehensive perspective on currency production and governance

Fatih Karahan, Ph.D. Governor, Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye

Fatih Karahan has served as Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of

Türkiye since February 2024, bringing strong expertise in monetary policy, labour

markets, and macroeconomic analysis.

After completing his Ph.D. in economics at the University of ennsylvania, Mr. Karahan began his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where he worked as a monetary policy advisor and led labour and product market studies. He has also taught at Columbia University and New York University and later served as a senior and

principal economist at Amazon, before returning to public service as

Deputy Governor in 2023 and Governor in 2024.

Julia Pitters, Head of the Business Psychology Programme, IU University

We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Julia Pitters, whose

research bridges financial psychology, behavioural patterns,

and decision-making.

At GCF 2026, Julia will present findings from a major new research initiative, The Compound Cash Value Index. This work provides a structured framework for understanding cash not as a legacy instrument, but as a multi-layered asset that supports national resilience, strengthens social cohesion, and safeguards individual autonomy in an increasingly digital world.

Diana Guzmán, Group Chief of Sustainability & Chair, the

Prudence Foundation

Diana Guzmán is a global leader in sustainability with over 18 years of experience across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Before joining Prudential, she led global partnerships at the World Economic Forum, advancing innovative blended finance solutions and inclusive net-zero

transitions in emerging markets. Her career also includes senior roles at CDP and early work in carbon markets, giving her a distinctive perspective on sustainability and finance.

Frane Maroević, General Director, International Currency Association (ICA)

Frane Maroević brings over 30 years of experience in

international leadership, strategic communications, and global advocacy. His career spans senior positions within the European Union and the OSCE, where he advanced human rights, independent media, and cross-border cooperation.

Today, he leads the International Currency Association

during a pivotal moment for currency, championing cash as an essential pillar of financial stability, security, and inclusivity in a rapidly digitalising world.

Together, these distinguished voices will help shape the conversations and strategic direction of Global Currency Forum 2026. The forum will bring together central

banks, policymakers, state printworks, and industry leaders to share knowledge and address the most pressing questions facing the currency sector today.

From operational resilience and currency design to sustainability and financial inclusion, GCF 2026 provides a unique platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

Secure your place today and be part of the conversation shaping the future of cash.