Building Resilience: Why 2026 Is a Pivotal Year for the Cash–Digital Balance

Across the world, governments and payment providers are rediscovering an old truth: no single system—however modern—can shoulder the weight of an entire economy. The Global Currency Forum 2026 places this rediscovery at the centre of its narrative, arguing that resilience cannot be retrofitted; it must be designed into every layer of a nation’s monetary infrastructure.

Antalya will host discussions on crisis preparedness, cross-border supply chains, and the practical lessons emerging from recent outages that left communities stranded without alternatives. Speakers will unpack how redundancy in payment systems, rather than inefficiency, is increasingly viewed as a strategic asset.

Beyond technical questions, the Forum recognises the societal stakes. Panels on financial inclusion highlight the millions who rely on cash not out of nostalgia, but because it anchors autonomy in rapidly changing economies. Meanwhile, research presentations will examine how hybrid payment ecosystems—where digital services flourish alongside robust cash infrastructures—perform better during shocks.

The mood is neither defensive nor utopian. Instead, it encourages delegates to see resilience as a shared responsibility: central banks ensuring supply, industry partners strengthening logistics, and policymakers guaranteeing citizens a choice in how they transact. In that sense, 2026 feels like a year where philosophy meets practical governance—and where global conversation may finally converge on a more balanced path forward.

More than just a conference, the Forum is designed as an immersive experience. With plenary discussions, expert workshops, and informal networking opportunities, attendees will gain both strategic insights and meaningful connections. From reflections on digitalisation to the resilience of cash, GCF 2026 will frame the conversations that will influence global currency systems for years to come.