Happy New Year to Our Europe & Emerging Markets Members

As we step into 2026, I hope you had a restorative break and are feeling energised for the year ahead. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with you again and building on the strong momentum across our Europe and Emerging Markets regions.

Looking back at 2025, it was a defining year for cash and ATMs globally—and especially across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, and Pakistan:

• Cash resilience remained clear: Despite rapid digitalisation, cash continued to play a critical role in financial inclusion, resilience, and trust—particularly during periods of economic uncertainty, infrastructure strain, and geopolitical disruption.
• ATM transformation accelerated: We saw continued migration toward smarter, more efficient ATM estates—software-driven upgrades, cash recycling, managed services, and shared infrastructure models gained real traction.
• Regulatory and access pressures intensified: Across Europe, access-to-cash legislation and mandates reshaped the conversation, while emerging markets focused on expanding reach, uptime, and sustainability at scale.
• Operational efficiency became a top priority: Rising costs pushed operators and deployers to rethink cash forecasting, servicing models, security, and the role of AI and automation—not as buzzwords, but as practical tools.
• Emerging Markets innovation stood out: Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia continued to lead with hybrid models—where digital growth and cash infrastructure evolve side by side rather than in opposition.

These developments will directly shape ATMIA’s 2026 agenda, and we are excited about what’s ahead.

This year, we are introducing several new initiatives designed to bring our community together, share real-world insights, and support practical decision-making:

• A two-day ATMIA Europe & Emerging Markets Roadshow taking place in June, with two high-impact city stops.
• A four-part Emerging Markets webinar series, dedicated to regional perspectives from Africa, the Middle East, India, and Pakistan.
• Expanded opportunities for members to speak, sponsor, and actively shape discussions around the future of cash, ATMs, and self-service.

Above all, 2026 is about connection and collaboration. I’d love to reconnect with you personally—if possible, let’s schedule a short catch-up call this month to check in, hear what’s top of mind for you, and explore how ATMIA can best support your priorities this year.

Wishing you a very happy, healthy, and successful year ahead. I look forward to engaging with you throughout 2026 and hopefully seeing many of you in person very soon.

Warm regards,
Erika Navarrete
ATMIA Europe & Emerging Markets