Geldmaat is launching a pilot with the dispensing of 100-euro banknotes in a number of machines. The banknote will become available in 46 Geldmaat stores in major cities and large shopping centers throughout May and June. The new Geldmaat store at Julianaplein in Den Helder will have the honor of being the first to offer them in early May.

The pilot will last approximately six months and aims to determine the extent of the demand for these banknotes and which customers use them. Together with the Dutch Central Bank, Geldmaat expects that demand is growing due to inflation. It also regularly receives inquiries about whether it is possible to withdraw a 100-euro banknote.

To prevent a customer from unintentionally withdrawing a 100-euro banknote, the 100-euro note is only available after a deliberate selection. If no other banknotes are available, the machine will indicate this. Geldmaat stores typically have 5-7 machines for withdrawing banknotes. One of these will offer the 100-euro banknotes. The banknote will be available at all Geldmaat stores except the store in Tilburg.

Following new explosive attacks on business deposit machines, Geldmaat is urgently taking measures to deter criminals from making further attempts. These measures are necessary due to the (potential) impact of explosive attacks on people living or working above or next to this type of machine. Geldmaat regrets that measures are necessary but states that the safety of residents is the highest priority.

Joost den Heyer, Chief Operational Office at Geldmaat: “This is going way too far. We fully understand that people living or working in the vicinity of this type of machine are concerned. These are highly undesirable situations involving powerful explosives, which we must put a stop to as soon as possible. We are doing this with the measures we are taking now, although business customers of banks will be affected by them. We regret this, but safety takes precedence over ease of use.”

This week, six Geldmaat machines have already been targeted by criminals. Some attacks were successful with a (limited) haul. The explosive attacks are exclusively aimed at seal bag machines. These machines are used by business customers of banks.

Measures

Geldmaat will close this type of machine in locations where people are living or working above or next to the machine. For other locations, opening hours will be limited from 07:00 to 14:00. Afterwards, these machines will be emptied. The seal bag machines in 44 Geldmaat stores will remain available during the store's full opening hours (07:00 – 22:00).

All other machines for withdrawing or depositing banknotes or coins will remain available during their usual opening hours.

Geldmaat has voluntarily prepared and published its ESG report. With this report, Geldmaat aims to gain insight into its sustainability and social performance and work towards improvement. Because of its role as a central entity in the cash supply chain, it also benefits from insight into the performance of its partners. Geldmaat aims to inspire partners to further optimize performance within the chain.

The ESG reporting is prepared in accordance with the new VSME standard from EFRAG, responsible for developing European standards for sustainability reporting, among other things. Due to the Omnibus Directive, Geldmaat no longer falls within the scope of the CSRD and has opted to implement the voluntary standard for sustainability reporting. With this report, Geldmaat demonstrates that sustainability, social value, and transparency are firmly anchored in its strategy and business operations.

Victor de Wolff, CFO of Geldmaat, explains what the report means for Geldmaat. “We want to be transparent about our impact by demonstrating that ESG is not an afterthought, but an integral part of our strategy and daily practices. This report provides insight into the steps Geldmaat is taking to make its services more sustainable, how it contributes to a more inclusive society, and its commitment to responsible entrepreneurship.”

The report revised previous insights. "When you think of CO2 emissions in the supply chain, you immediately think of the armored trucks that use fuel, or our ATMs that run on electricity day and night. However, our analysis showed that most of the pollution occurs in another part of the supply chain, namely the production of ATMs. We don't have direct control over that ourselves, but we can discuss it with our suppliers."

Geldmaat worked closely with the ESG Boutique, a specialist consultancy firm in the field of ESG, to develop the ESG vision, strategy and reporting.

The full report is currently only available in Dutch.