The Canadian Bank Note Company (CBN) is a global leader in printing security documents. A significant proportion of banknotes worldwide has been designed and produced in Canada, specifically in Ottawa. Many of these banknotes have earned recognition as some of the best globally due to their superior quality and detailed imagery. However, the history of this iconic company remains unfamiliar to many Ottawa residents and Canadians alike. Learn more about its story with Ottawa One.
The History of Banknote Printing in Canada
The story of Canada’s banknote production began in 1897, when an Ottawa businessman acquired a division of the American Bank Note Company. Once the company’s full ownership transitioned to the Ottawa-based entrepreneur, the newly formed Canadian Bank Note Company established its headquarters in Canada’s capital city.
Initially, the company gained prominence by partnering with Canadian banks, supplying them with secure financial documents. It quickly rose to prominence in the industry, attracting a diverse client base that included:
- Private entrepreneurs from Ottawa, other Canadian cities, and abroad
- Large corporations in Canada and worldwide
- The Canadian federal government and governments of other nations
- Local government bodies
- Canadian and international banks
- Postal services across numerous countries
Beyond printing banknotes, the company expanded its portfolio to produce various other secure documents, including:
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Postage stamps
- Coupons
- Other official documents
CBN emerged as an industry leader in secure document production, expanding its market reach significantly. Its products served countries like New Zealand (with a 2016 banknote winning the title of the world’s best), various African nations, the United States, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Iceland, Ireland, European countries, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Indonesia. During Ukraine’s early years of independence, the Canadian Bank Note Company produced karbovanets banknotes for the nation.
21st-Century Innovations in Banknote Production
Today, the Canadian Bank Note Company is a cutting-edge, high-tech enterprise. Over its more than 100-year history, the company has undergone numerous phases of growth and refinement, adopting state-of-the-art printing and design standards. It has developed comprehensive solutions to enhance national security and protect currencies.
CBN has maintained a strong relationship with its first client, the Bank of Canada, which has supported its efforts by investing in advanced printing technologies and innovative solutions. Notably, Canada was among the first countries to transition to polymer banknotes.
The Canadian Bank Note Company is one of the few enterprises worldwide to master innovative polymer printing using magnetically oriented pigments. This advanced technology results in exceptionally high-quality banknotes, renowned for their clarity and aesthetic appeal. These innovations have solidified CBN’s reputation as a producer of some of the finest and most secure banknotes globally.
Thanks to its cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking approach, the Canadian Bank Note Company serves clients in over 80 countries. In the 21st century, it remains a leading producer of banknotes and secure documents, not only within Canada but also on a global scale.