Although the widespread adoption of digital transactions has generally reduced the amount of cash organisations need to hold and handle, in many contexts and circumstances it is still necessary to hold, move and make transactions in cash. This chapter is concerned with multiple aspects of cash security, from theft and robbery to risks associated with cash programming.
While cash-related risks and their management are often the responsibility of finance and managerial staff, cash-related activities carry with them significant security risks. Withdrawing or transporting large amounts of cash makes aid workers vulnerable to robbery and theft. Travelling with cash, especially in remote or conflict-affected areas, increases the risk of being targeted by criminal elements or armed groups. The security risks of cash programming also need to be considered and addressed, including risks around transferring funds to aid recipients, fraud and reputational damage.
To mitigate cash-related risks, an essential first step is to carry out a risk assessment on the flow of cash around the organisation, followed by the design and implementation of mitigation measures at points of high risk. Additional measures include:
Mitigation measures should ideally be decided and implemented collaboratively by security and finance staff.
Many aid organisations have adopted cash transfer programming as one of their main modalities for assisting people in crisis. The transfer mechanism can take various forms, such as digital transfers or vouchers, but can also involve the distribution of physical cash. The distribution mechanism should be appropriate to the context and consider practical constraints and security risks. Using banks and other financial institutions potentially reduces the security risks associated with cash transfers.
In general, when moving and storing cash for cash programming activities, many of the mitigation measures previously listed apply. Proper risk analysis, mitigation measures and monitoring are crucial. It is advisable for staff to carry out a programmatic risk assessment considering all the security risks to organisations, staff and aid recipients before and during the cash programme. Not only are staff at risk when handling the cash: it is not uncommon for criminal groups to target and rob recipients of cash programmes. Cash distribution sites are also locations of high risk and will likely require appropriate site security measures. There are also risks associated with the storage of beneficiary and financial data, as well as institutional risks related to fraud, diversion and misappropriation. These require mitigation.
ICRC (2021) SAFE: Security and safety manual for humanitarian personnel.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (n.d.) CTP risk matrix template. Module 3, Step 1, Sub-step 4, Cash in emergencies toolkit.
The CALP Network (n.d.) Key resources.
