2023's Top 10 ATM headlines: NCR separation, security, bitcoin ATMs lead the way

With 2024 fast approaching, it's time to take a look back at the top stories of 2023 for ATM Marketplace. 2023 was a big year for the industry as it saw bankruptcy, reorganizations, company splits and rebranding. The year also had its full share of ATM crimes, including "glue and tap" scams to steal money from individual bank accounts.

This year's top stories covered big industry news such as Diebold Nixdorf's declaration of bankruptcy and subsequent reorganizing and NCR splitting into two companies: Atleos and Voyix.

Other top read stories included bitcoin ATM news, security issues and insights into banking and self service.

You can read more about the top 10 stories of 2023 down below.

10. Walgreens brings crypto-enabled ATMs to stores

NCR Corp. expanded its existing relationship with Walgreens to offer its services to nearly all of these locations and will install more than 1,300 Allpoint+ cash-accepting ATMs, offering surcharge-free cash access to customers.

In addition, customers can use the ATMs to purchase cryptocurrency due to NCR's LibertyX platform. With this platform, customers can use a debit card or cash to purchase popular cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin.

9.Diebold Nixdorf CEO shares insights on banking, self service

Octavio Marquez, CEO of Diebold Nixdorf Inc., discussed what he sees as the challenges and opportunities for self-service technology in both the retail and financial services industries. Marquez mentioned the impact of the labor shortage on retail, the continued importance of cash, software improvements and the emerging importance of video technology.

8.Nebraska woman charged with ATM crime

Furnas County, Nebraska deputies charged a woman for allegedly attempting to break into a Cambridge Bank ATM. Shannon Proctor, along with an unidentified man, allegedly tried to use a crowbar to steal from the ATM.

7. ATM scammers use 'glue and tap' to steal funds

ATM thieves are targeting customers with a scam that involves glue and tap payments. A report by ABC 7 revealed scammers were targeting customers at multiple Chase Bank locations in San Francisco, California. In the scam a criminal puts glue over the card reader to prevent it from working, then accesses the user's account after they use the tap feature.

6.Nigeria's cashless experiment leads to chaos

Nigeria has attempted to get its citizens to replace old fiat currency with new notes and to deposit all old notes at the bank. Although the Central Bank of Nigeria did this to fight inflation, counterfeiting and promote a cashless society, it has led to chaos as citizens are unable to pay for basic goods, according to a BBC report.

Multiple residents told the BBC that they were unable to purchase food or take the bus because they cannot access their old bank notes, and the new bank notes are not available yet.

5.Examining future ATM trends in 2022

The top trends for 2022 made headlines in 2023 including issues such as global cash usage, supply chain issues, upgrades and industry consolidation.

4.NCR expands through separation into 2 companies

NCR Corp. made a big announcement that it would separate into two businesses, one to focus on retail, hospitality and digital banking and the other to handle ATMs. It recently announced the names of these two businesses: Voyix and Atleos. Both of these names have particular meanings for the industry at large.

To learn more about this announcement and what impact it will have on the ATM business, ATM Marketplace spoke with Scott Sykes, executive director of corporate communications, and Jennifer Personette, CMO of NCR Corp.

3.Bitcoin of America CEO arrested for unlicensed bitcoin ATMs

Law enforcement officials arrested Sonny Meraban, CEO of Bitcoin of America, along with his father, Reza Mehraban and attorney William Soriano, on suspicion of money laundering and Ohio ATM licensing violations. Authorities also seized more than 50 bitcoin ATMs in Ohio, according to a report by Fox 8.

"Cryptocurrency is money and if you're a money transmitter in Ohio, you need to have a license. Bitcoin of America does not have a license," Andrew Rogalski, assistant prosecutor, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, told the news outlet.

2.What are the biggest ATM security issues?

A quick Google search revealed a slew of articles about thieves breaking into or stealing ATMs from locations ranging from exterior bank walls to shopping malls. Criminals used tools ranging from trucks to construction equipment to tear ATMs apart and then later access the cash within.

However, physical threats are not the only security concerns for ATMs. Outdated key standards and card skimming are also major issues in the ATM industry.

1.Diebold Nixdorf to file for bankruptcy

Diebold Nixdorf Inc. announced plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a restructuring deal.

It would later reorganize and exit bankruptcy the same year.