Banknote imagery advisory group minutes – 15 July 2026

The Bank of England’s Banknote Imagery Advisory Group (BIAG) met on 15 July 2026 to finalise recommendations for the central imagery on the next series of banknotes. The group considered the results of a public consultation that invited UK residents to select up to two animals from three categories—mammals, birds, and amphibians, insects, and fish—to feature on the new designs. The consultation received nearly 500,000 responses through online surveys, post, emails, and phone calls, reflecting strong public engagement with the theme.

BIAG discussed how the proposed animals—Atlantic puffin, barn owl, buff-tailed bumblebee, and European hedgehog—align with the Bank’s objectives for counterfeit resilience and public preference. The group noted that the set includes the most popular animal from each category, as well as the most popular marine animal, ensuring varied forms, movements, and habitats to aid differentiation between denominations. Security features incorporating the animals’ movements were also considered to enhance authentication.

Members agreed that the proposed set met the Bank’s criteria and decided to recommend the four species to the Governor for approval. The Chief Cashier will submit the recommendation for the Governor’s indicative views before further engagement with the Banknote Imagery Expert Panel. The final decision on the imagery will rest with the Governor, with a public announcement planned for the autumn.

The meeting also updated the Terms of Reference to include the Banknote Innovation Programme Director as a new Core Member. BIAG emphasised the importance of reflecting public views while balancing the Bank’s objectives for secure and resilient banknote design. Secondary imagery from the shortlist may be incorporated later, subject to further expert panel discussions on habitats and design decisions.