logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2016
22m 58s

Who Wins in a Cashless Economy?

Bbc World Service
About this episode

The death of cash has been predicted many times over the years. But in the last decade a future without coins and notes has become a real possibility thanks to the global development and adoption of cashless systems. Some banks in Scandinavia are already refusing to accept or hand out cash. And, in nations with poor banking infrastructure, the growth of cashless has been explosive. Millions of people around the world now conduct their lives with hardly any cash at all and in terms of convenience, most of us are winners. But warnings are sounding about the driving forces behind this shift. Are we in danger of getting rid of our cash without really understanding the consequences? Presented by Linda Yueh.

(Photo: View of a smartphone displaying the 'Contactless' application. Credit: Getty Images)

Up next
Today
Is the 2026 World Cup an own goal?
The 2026 men’s football World Cup will be the biggest ever staged. For the first time, 48 teams will compete, playing more than 100 matches across North America.But the expanded scale comes at a cost. Ticket prices are far higher than at the last World Cup in Qatar. With matches ... Show More
23m 58s
Feb 10
Why are our taps running dry?
Chennai, São Paulo, Mexico City, Tehran, Cape Town - these cities have all faced the threat of a ‘Zero Day’, or, having no fresh water left in their taps. The UN says we’re entering a ‘water bankruptcy’ era, meaning our water ‘current accounts’ are running empty, while our ‘savin ... Show More
23m 37s
Feb 3
What does the national election mean for the future of Bangladesh?
Bangladesh will hold a national election in February, after years of political turmoil and the ousting of long-time leader Sheikh Hasina. Her rule of more than a decade delivered strong economic growth but was also accompanied by tighter political control and repeated confrontati ... Show More
23m 32s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2021
Big Brother Wants Your Money
<p>Today El Salvador was the first country to adopt Bitcoin as a recognized currency.</p> <p>But this takes us back to the fundamental question of what is money? Why would a country adopt a currency that is as volatile as bitcoin? It’s not an effective store of value, and its use ... Show More
6m 13s
Jun 2024
Evolving Money: Money Without Borders (Sponsored Content)
<p>Throughout history, financial markets have struggled with the issue of borders. Borders create friction, add cost and cause headaches for anyone who wants to spend money across them. On top of that, various national currencies can be wildly unstable.</p> <p>Could a borderless, ... Show More
21m 5s
Oct 2016
Ep113 – Financial Inclusion: Banking The Next Billion
In this episode This week we had the pleasure of talking to some global thought leaders in the space of Financial Inclusion. This week we welcome onto the show Kosta Peric (@copernicc) who is the Deputy Director, Financial Services for the Poor at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundat ... Show More
2 h
May 2024
Can digital banking transform the fortunes of Africa’s youth?
For many young people in Africa, traditional banking isn’t just a hassle, it’s a major roadblock. Long lines, piles of paperwork and strict ID requirements mean many are left out in the cold when it comes to managing their money in bank accounts. Digital banking platforms are try ... Show More
16m 45s
Jul 2025
How Much Bitcoin Do You Need to Retire? | Beyond Bitcoin
How much Bitcoin do you really need to retire? The answer may surprise you—and change your mindset entirely. In this bold breakdown, we challenge traditional retirement thinking, expose economic lies, and reveal why Bitcoin might be the only lifeboat left.SPONSORS:📡Sat123https:/ ... Show More
14m 8s
Jul 2025
Michael Saylor Made $28B With Bitcoin! | Bitcoin Simply
Americans are struggling with rising inflation, debt, and financial insecurity, yet Bitcoin remains largely overlooked. Since 2020, the average U.S. home price in Bitcoin has dropped dramatically, and countries like El Salvador have turned poverty into massive Bitcoin profits. Co ... Show More
11m 53s
Mar 2022
How Bitcoin is reviving the American dream w/ Gary Leland
In this Episode Gary Leland talks about how Bitcoin is reviving the American dream. For many, there is no American Dream, only a nightmare. Financial stress and debt burdens weigh heavily. The system just feels rigged. Amidst this despair, Americans are finding hope in an unlikel ... Show More
1h 10m
Aug 2025
AMERICA'S ZIMBABWE FUTURE -- Guy Gotslak
Protect Your Retirement with a PHYSICAL Gold and/or Silver IRA <a href='https://www.subscribestar.com/away?url=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2d0cmVwb3J0Z29sZC5jb20v%0A'>https://www.sgtreportgold.com/</a> CALL( 877) 646-5347 - You Can Trust Noble Gold ------- Preserve your purchasing power wit ... Show More
39m 13s