Regulatory Update

Banknote imagery advisory group minutes – 29 April 2026

The Bank of England's Banknote Imagery Expert Panel has made significant progress in selecting animals for the upcoming Series H banknotes. The panel's proposed shortlist of wildlife species will be put to a public consultation, with the aim of ensuring that the designs are not only visually striking but also representative of the UK's diverse natural heritage.

The selection process has been guided by strict criteria, including the need for recognisable and distinctive animals that symbolise the UK. However, some members have raised concerns about the inclusion of certain species, such as the beaver, which is the national animal of Canada. The Bank will continue to engage with experts and stakeholders to refine its shortlist and ensure that it meets the required standards.

The next public consultation on Series H banknote imagery is scheduled to take place in June 2026, during which the public will have the opportunity to choose which animals they want to see featured on the new banknotes. The Bank's Governor will then make a final decision based on the results of the consultation and its own objectives for secure banknote design.

Why it matters

Why it matters is that the Bank of England has announced its shortlist for the upcoming Series H banknotes, which will feature imagery inspired by UK wildlife. The selection process has been guided by the Bank's criteria for wild, inclusive, recognisable, varied, and distinctive animals that symbolise the UK. This move represents a significant development in the design of British banknotes, with the public set to play an active role in shaping their future through a forthcoming consultation.

The introduction of new banknote designs is not only a matter of aesthetics but also reflects the Bank's commitment to promoting British culture and heritage. The use of wildlife imagery has been particularly well-received, with many suggestions for specific animals from members of the public and stakeholders. The inclusion of the Home Nations in the design ensures a strong representation of the UK's diverse regions.

As the consultation process unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the public responds to the proposed designs and whether they reflect the Bank's aspirations for secure banknote design. The final selection will be informed by both public input and the Bank's objectives, ensuring that the new banknotes are not only visually striking but also meet the highest standards of security and durability.

Key points

The Bank of England's Banknote Imagery Expert Panel meeting on 29 April 2026 discussed the Series H theme announcement and received input from stakeholders regarding UK wildlife representation.
Members emphasized the importance of clearly communicating the rationale behind the shortlist selection in the June 2026 consultation, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
The proposed approach to structuring the shortlist into three broad categories was deemed sufficient to provide optionality for the Bank's choice of imagery across different denominations.
The panel considered and agreed upon a shortlist of animals, subject to further advice from experts on specific species and potential replacement options.
Notes staff were tasked with sharing the recommended shortlist with the Governor and seeking additional views on replacing the beaver with the hare.
The second public consultation for Series H Banknote imagery is scheduled to run from 3 June to 3 July 2026, where participants will choose which animals to feature on the new series of banknotes.

Institutional context

Institutional context The meeting of the Banknote Imagery Expert Panel took place on April 29, 2026, from 4pm to 5pm at the Bank of England's headquarters in Threadneedle Street, London, and via MS teams. The Chair welcomed members and reminded them of their obligations under the Public Sector Equality Duty throughout the imagery selection process for Series H banknotes. This meeting was part of an ongoing engagement with stakeholders and experts to inform the design of the new series.

The Banknote Imagery Expert Panel is a key component of the Bank's efforts to ensure that the designs on banknotes are secure, distinctive, and representative of the UK. The panel consists of experts from various fields, including wildlife conservation, art, and security. Their recommendations will be used to inform the Governor's decision on the final design for Series H.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of engaging with stakeholders, including members of the public and stakeholders, throughout the design process. This engagement is crucial in ensuring that the designs are representative of the UK's diverse wildlife and meet the Bank's objectives for secure banknote design. The next public consultation on Series H banknote imagery is scheduled to start in June 2026, where participants will choose which animals they want to see featured on the new series of banknotes.

Practical considerations

Practical considerations for practitioners include ensuring that all communications related to the upcoming consultation on Series H banknote imagery clearly outline the rationale behind the proposed designs, including the importance of representing the Home Nations and providing concise factual information about each animal featured.

To facilitate public engagement, banks and other financial institutions should consider developing their own stakeholder engagement strategies in line with the Bank's objectives for secure banknote design. This may involve collaborating with relevant stakeholders, such as conservation organizations or wildlife experts, to gather input on specific species that could be featured on the new series of banknotes.

In terms of verifying the authenticity of banknotes featuring the proposed designs, banks should ensure that they have adequate procedures in place to verify the images and prevent counterfeiting. This may involve working closely with the Bank's security and design teams to develop effective verification protocols and conducting regular training sessions for staff on these procedures.

Source: Bank of England News