TITLE: Colombia's Central Bank Issues Treasury Services Operational Circular for External Authorized Channels BODY: On February 16, 2026, the Banco de la República (Central Bank of Colombia) issued Circular Externa Operativa y de Servicios DEP-495, which establishes operational guidelines for treasury services provided through external authorized channels. This circular replaces sections 5, 6, and 7 of the previous Circular Externa Operativa y de Servicios DTE-406 from August 12, 2025, and becomes part of the Central Bank's Corporate Manual for the Emission and Programming Department. The circular applies to the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia (Financial Superintendence), credit establishments, value transportation companies, collection and payment enterprises, natural and legal persons, and the Central Bank's main office and branches. It establishes the framework for treasury services delivered through three authorized external channels: Centros Complementarios de Efectivo (Complementary Cash Centers—CCEs) operated by value transportation companies; Ventanillas de Atención al Público (Public Service Windows) operated by both value transportation companies and collection and payment enterprises; and Puntos de Cambio de Efectivo (Cash Exchange Points—PCEs) operated by collection and payment enterprises. The circular defines authorized cash exchange operations, including provisions for high-denomination banknotes (10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 Colombian pesos) ... (2609 chars total)

TITLE: Central Bank of Ireland Publishes First Quarterly Access to Cash Report BODY: On 24 February 2026, the Central Bank of Ireland published its first quarterly Access to Cash report, presenting data on automated teller machine (ATM) and cash service point (CSP) locations and opening hours across eight geographical regions in Ireland as of 31 December 2025. The Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 established a framework to ensure sufficient and effective access to cash across Ireland. The Minister for Finance set access to cash criteria in November 2025, which include minimum population proximity requirements (the percentage of the population within 10 kilometres of an ATM or CSP) and minimum ATM capacity per 100,000 people in each region. These criteria aim to maintain cash infrastructure at 2022 levels, accounting for the exits of KBC and Ulster Bank from the market. The report shows Ireland has just over 4,000 ATMs and just over 1,200 CSPs. Overall, cash infrastructure remains largely aligned with the Minister's criteria. However, six instances were identified where criteria are not met, with shortfalls described as small relative to expected levels. The Central Bank has written to designated entities (AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Permanent TSB) to address identified shortfalls, with these firms required to provide proposals within coming weeks. Deputy Governor Vasileios Madouros emphasised the Central Bank's commitment to safeguarding cash a ... (1991 chars total)