Clydesdale Bank beats BofE to first plastic fiver

Beating the Bank of England to the punch, Clydesdale Bank will issue Britain's first plastic five pound notes next year.

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Clydesdale Bank beats BofE to first plastic fiver

Editorial

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The bank will issue two million polymer notes through its branches to commemorate the nomination of the Forth Bridge for inclusion in Unesco's World Heritage List.

As one of three banks in Scotland authorised to issue banknotes, Clydesdale has been pumping out cash since 1838 but the new fiver is its first foray into plastic.

The note features images of the bridge, which opened 125 years ago next march, and Sir William Arrol, whose company built it. De La Rue is behind the design and the Safeguard polymer substrate.

Late last year, the Bank of England confirmed that all the UK's banknotes are going plastic, beginning in 2016 with a fiver featuring the face of Winston Churchill.

The Bank argues that plastic is cleaner, more secure and lasts at least two and a half times longer than cotton paper.

Debbie Crosbie, executive director, Clydesdale Bank, says: "Clydesdale Bank is very proud to commemorate the Forth Bridge on our new £5 note. The structure is renowned across the world as an incredible feat of engineering so it was a fitting choice for a ground-breaking new banknote."

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Comments: (1)

Steve Ellis

Steve Ellis Founder at Finextra Research

They look quite big? Have they done any User Acceptance Testing?

;-)

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