Kontantberedskap

Kontantberedskap refers to the preparedness to ensure access to cash and the smooth functioning of cash payments under ordinary conditions and during disruptions. It applies to individuals, businesses and public authorities and includes planning for liquidity needs, maintaining cash reserves, and securing the cash supply chain from production to withdrawal.

For households, kontantberedskap means having a reasonable amount of cash available for emergencies or situations where card payments or digital services are temporarily unavailable. For businesses, it involves sufficient cash on-site or accessible through banking services to handle daily transactions, payroll and other obligations, while ensuring secure storage and handling.

In the financial system, banks, payment service providers and the central bank coordinate to maintain an adequate cash supply. This covers the production of banknotes, distribution to ATMs and merchant locations, and contingency arrangements for outages in payment networks, power failures or cyber incidents.

Risks addressed include failures or interruptions of payment infrastructure, disruptions in cash logistics, and shifts in consumer payment preferences toward digital methods. Contingencies often involve diverse payment options, defined withdrawal limits, and clear communication with customers.

In Sweden, the central bank (Riksbanken) and commercial banks have responsibilities related to kontantberedskap, including maintaining cash availability and communicating guidance to households and businesses about how to prepare. The concept also relates to financial inclusion, ensuring that individuals without access to digital payments can still participate in everyday commerce.

Continued monitoring and planning help reduce the impact of cash shortages or payment disruptions on the economy and everyday life.