Welcome Back—September is Here!

We hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the summer and recharge. Now it’s time to look ahead to what promises to be a busy few months for ATMIA Europe & Emerging Markets.

💶 Cash Continues to Be Part of the Conversation

There have been some interesting developments across our regions over the past few weeks:

Europe: The ECB reports that 92% of businesses with physical locations across the euro area still accept cash, up from 90% in 2024. Cash remains the most widely accepted payment method, even as mobile payments continue to grow.

India: Recent figures show ATM withdrawals continuing to decline as consumers increasingly use UPI and other digital payment channels. At the same time, cash in circulation continues to rise — an interesting reminder that cash usage and ATM usage are not necessarily the same thing.

Africa: Cash access is also evolving. In Ethiopia, M-PESA has expanded cardless ATM withdrawals through a partnership with Awash Bank, showing how digital and cash services can increasingly work alongside each other.

These developments raise some interesting questions for all of us about what the future of cash access will look like across different markets.

📅 Reminder: EEM Board Meeting

Our next EEM Board Meeting is on 17 September at 10:00 AM UK time.

The agenda has now been sent to all Board members. Key discussions will include the new Chairperson, the 2027 Roadshow and ATM 60th Anniversary, the October Emerging Markets webinar series and our regional priorities.

🌍 Emerging Markets Webinar Series — October

We are getting there!

3 of the 4 webinars are now set up for our October Emerging Markets series, covering Africa, the Middle East, India and Pakistan.

The Call for Speakers is still open, so if you have an idea, experience or perspective you would like to share, please send your proposal through as soon as possible.

Looking Ahead

September is always a good time to reconnect, get ideas moving and start planning what comes next.

We look forward to working with all of you over the coming months and continuing to build the EEM community together.

Welcome back — and here’s to a busy and productive September!

Warm regards,
Erika