Shaping the Future of Banknotes in Latin America and the Caribbean

From ‘Jumanji’ Illusions to Tennis Courts

When you meet Sergio Sánchez, Commercial Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at Crane Currency, you encounter a man who bridges two worlds: a deeply traditional industry and the rapidly evolving interest in innovation and modern banknotes. With more than 20 years in the cash industry, he carries both the authority of experience and the excitement of someone convinced that the next decade will be transformative.

“Joining Crane Currency is among the best decisions in my life,” Sergio says without hesitation. “It is a process-driven company, and the most experienced team I’ve ever worked with.”

A Career Built Across Borders

Sergio’s professional journey has taken him across the landscape of banknote innovation. Before joining Crane in September 2024, he held senior roles at Giesecke+Devrient and De La Rue, covering the entire Latin American and Caribbean region. More recently, he worked with Currency Research, building networks through international events. This breadth of experience has given him a unique vantage point, understanding both the technical intricacies of secure banknotes and the cultural dynamics of central banks across nearly 30 countries.

At home in Puebla, 120 kilometers outside Mexico City, Sergio lives with his wife Erika after nearly 18 years of marriage. A self-described “sporty guy,” he spends time in the gym, swims regularly, and still plays tennis competitively. “In 2018 and 2019 I represented Mexico in the ITF Seniors World Tennis Championships,” he recalls. “Tennis is something my wife and I share – it’s part of our life together.”

 

 

Diversity and Common Challenges

From the bustling economies of Mexico and Brazil to the smaller central banks in Aruba and Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Sergio oversees a region marked by immense diversity. Yet common challenges run through the landscape: counterfeiting, longevity, and the pressure of inflation and monetary policy decisions.

The Caribbean, he notes, has emerged as a pioneer. “They are not conservative, and they are open to new opportunities. Their new colorful banknote series with advanced features like MOTION SURFACE® sets an example for larger economies.”

The Power of Trust and Technology

For Sergio, the essence of the cash industry lies in trust. “In this business, reputation is everything,” he says. “When you present technology, the most important thing is to deliver on your promise. Central banks need trustworthy, long-term partners, and that is where Crane Currency stands out.”

Crane’s technological edge is clear. With innovations such as its family of micro-optic security products, the company has grown rapidly in the past decade, servicing more central banks across the world year by year. Sergio believes this trajectory will only accelerate. “In the next five to ten years, we will be the dominant player in the cash industry. The technology we bring to the table is simply unmatched.”

“Something out of Jumanji”

Sergio Sánchez remembers vividly the moment that crystallized his decision to join Crane. At the 2024 Banknote Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, he first saw the Mexican Jalisco House Note. “It was like something out of Jumanji – objects seemed to come out of the banknote,” he says, smiling. “The 3D movement was out of this world. People looked at it and said, ‘It’s like a dream.’ That is the power of Crane’s innovation.”

Looking ahead, he is determined to expand Crane’s footprint across Latin America and the Caribbean. With nearly 30 central banks in the region, the opportunities to help even more in their modernization journeys are vast – and the relationships personal.

“It’s about building trust, understanding the culture, and showing what is possible,” he says. “If we do that, the future is ours.”