Ensuring the supply of cash forms part of the Bundesbank’s statutory mandate. The Bundesbank has in place a business continuity plan (BCP) comprising extensive contingency measures to keep its individual branches operational and safeguard central support processes (e.g. IT infrastructure and applications). The BCP also provides for an emergency power supply for all Bundesbank branches and detailed crisis and emergency management plans. All 31 branches of the Bundesbank maintain a minimum stock of ready-for-circulation banknotes well in excess of usual demand, with a view to upholding a fully self-sufficient supply line for a set period of time. In addition, extensive reserves are held at the Bundesbank’s regional logistic points and the Eurosystem also keeps a strategic stock for contingencies. Should an emergency or crisis situation arise, the continued ability of the Bundesbank’s branches to pay out cash at all times is assured. 

In spite of its extensive business continuity planning in respect of its own business operations, the Bundesbank is not in a position to supply consumers with cash directly. 

In Germany, the disbursal of banknotes to consumers is the responsibility of the banking industry; credit institutions engage private cash-in-transit companies to perform certain cash processes (most notably transportation). In order to ensure an orderly supply of cash to the general public, it is vital that this distribution structure external to the Bundesbank is able to function properly even in an emergency or crisis.

Communication and information

In an emergency or crisis, there is a heightened need for communication and information. The Bundesbank is equipped with a crisis communications strategy and a database of contact persons within the cash handling industry. The strategy relies on a multiplier approach to cascade information from the designated contact persons within the Bundesbank to other affected cash handlers and their respective associations.

The Bundesbank endeavours to keep its customers appropriately informed in the event of disruptions to normal service, too. In such cases, it will get in touch with the contact persons specified on the customer data reporting form. We therefore recommend updating contact details immediately whenever changes occur. In the event of an incident, the Bundesbank offers the following alternative procedures to ensure that business operations continue.

Disruption to or unavailability of CashEDI

The “Specifications for electronic access to cash payment transactions with the Deutsche Bundesbank” (Spezifikationen für die elektronische Öffnung im baren Zahlungsverkehr der Deutschen Bundesbank) (point V, Incident management) set out the incident management provisions outlining the conventional back-up procedure. This can also be applied in cases where our customers experience an incident. The specifications can be accessed (in German) via the link below; contact details for CashEDI can be found in the right-hand column.

Disruption to or failure of operations at one of the Bundesbank’s branches

If, despite the contingencies in place, events occur that disrupt or halt the business operations of a Bundesbank branch on a lasting basis, it can be arranged, in consultation with the Bundesbank, for cash transactions to be taken over by neighbouring branches. For a list of all Bundesbank branches, see the link at the bottom of the page.

Disruptions to the supply of change (cash exchange)

The Bundesbank provides business clients without a Bundesbank giro account with the option of exchanging cash (Niko cash exchange procedure for retail customers). Customers wishing to use this procedure must register for it, with sufficient advance notice, using a separate customer data reporting form, as a separate customer master record is required for the exchange of cash. To obtain this customer data reporting form, please contact our customer data management team (for contact details, see the right-hand column). Outpayments are processed in standard packaging units (standard coin containers).

The “Specifications for electronic access to cash payment transactions with the Deutsche Bundesbank” (Spezifikationen für die elektronische Öffnung im baren Zahlungsverkehr der Deutschen Bundesbank) (point V, Incident management) set out the incident management provisions outlining the conventional back-up procedure. This can also be applied in cases where our customers experience an incident. The specifications can be accessed (in German) via the link below; contact details for CashEDI can be found in the right-hand column.

Forms

We recommend that you keep your own supply of these forms (either by printing them out or by downloading the files).

Incidents experienced by the Bundesbank’s customers

Should the Bundesbank’s counterparties experience incidents that affect the settlement of cash transactions, we recommend informing the relevant persons at the Bundesbank without delay. The contact details for CashEDI can be found in the right-hand column and an overview of the Bundesbank’s branches can be accessed via the following link.