The Swiss National Bank has awarded Emphase Ltd the winner’s role in its design competition for a new banknote series and commissioned the firm to carry out the graphic development work. Emphase’s submission, Concept J, achieved the best overall result in the multi-phase competition. Concept J was assessed as convincingly conveying the theme “Switzerland and its altitudes” and as well suited to the banknote development process. The Swiss National Bank noted that the eventual banknote design may differ significantly from the competition concept, with the Bank Council responsible for the final design decision, and expects the new banknotes to be issued at the beginning of the 2030s at the earliest. The 12 submitted concepts will be exhibited at the SNB Forum in Zurich from 5 to 15 March, and the full set of concepts is also available on the Swiss National Bank’s website.
Swiss National Bank 2026-03-04
Swiss National Bank selects Emphase Ltd to develop the next banknote series design
The Swiss National Bank has selected Emphase Ltd as the winner of its design competition for a new banknote series, commissioning the firm for graphic development. Emphase's Concept J was praised for effectively conveying the theme "Switzerland and its altitudes." The final banknote design, subject to the Bank Council's decision, may differ from the competition concept, with issuance expected in the early 2030s.