In October 2011, the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) organized the inaugural Currency Hall of Fame (CHOF) induction and since then has inducted 18 distinguished individuals who have made a significant impact on the Currency Industry. We are very pleased to announce the 2025 Inductees to the CHOF: Richard Haycock and Antti Heinonen.
RICHARD HAYCOCK’S SUMMARY OF KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY: Rick’s 38-year career in the currency industry is marked by visionary leadership, innovation, and a strong commitment to community building. As the founder of Currency Systems International (CSI) in 1991, he introduced groundbreaking technology, including the high-speed Currency Processing System (CPS) which revitalized and modernized the industry.
In 1992, Rick launched the first-ever Currency Conference creating a vital platform for global industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow. His dedication and passion to fostering communication and knowledge-sharing led to the founding of Currency Research and the organization of influential events and conferences.
Rick also established and served as Chairman for the the International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA), which promotes excellence through awards and the Currency Hall of Fame, while also providing a platform for knowledge sharing on matters of strategic importance to the industry–further reinforcing his legacy of collaboration and progress.
Widely regarded as a true industry visionary, Rick consistently challenged limits, inspired innovation, and helped shape the future of currency.
Learn more about the CHOF and read Rick’s full bio detailing more key aspects of his career and his lasting impact on the Currency Industry. https://currencyaffairs.org/hall-of-fame/rick-haycock/
ANTTI HEINONEN SUMMARY OF KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY: Antti began his distinguished career in cash at the Bank of Finland (BoF), where he held several key roles, including Chief Cashier while also representing BoF on the Working Group for Printing and Issuing a European Banknote, contributing to the early development of the euro. This foundational experience prepared him for his pivotal role as the first Director of Banknotes at the then newly formed European Central Bank.
In this role, and as Chair of several key banknote/changeover committees, Antti was responsible for overseeing the complex transition to euro banknotes and coins. His leadership ensured seamless coordination across risk management, logistics, crisis communication, public outreach, and cooperation with external stakeholders.
Antti’s strategic vision, communication skills, and steady leadership were instrumental in managing one of the largest logistical undertakings in modern European history: the introduction of euro cash.
Antti also served as the first Chairman of the Banknote Ethics Initiative (BnEI) which was launched in 2013. His work with the BnEI over a period of ten years has strengthened trust and credibility in the banknote industry, ensuring that it operates with integrity and transparency.
Antti’s impact on the industry is enduring and far-reaching. Learn more about Antti’s legacy and other contributions to the industry in his full bio at the Currency Hall of Fame: https://currencyaffairs.org/hall-of-fame/antti-heinonen/
Read about ALL our Currency Hall of Fame Members and learn about their impact on our industry on the CHOF Page on the website.
