From Banknotes to Brand Protection: IOTA Expands Global Anti-Counterfeiting Dialogue
19 May 2026 | Press Release
19 May 2026: The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) is proud to announce the continued expansion of its global engagement programme, strengthening the fight against counterfeiting across multiple critical sectors throughout 2026. From currency to secure documents or protecting life-saving pharmaceuticals, IOTA is leading the technical dialogue on optical security innovation.
Most recently, IOTA led a specialist workshop during the Banknote Conference 2026 in Washington DC, US. Hosted by IOTA Chairman Dr Mark Deakes, the session titled ‘Past, Present & Future: The Evolution of Security Banknote OVDs’ explored the development of optical security features, from early holographic applications to today’s advanced micro- and nano-structured technologies.
The workshop examined developments in materials, manufacturing techniques, and integration methods used in modern banknote security. Discussions also highlighted emerging trends shaping next-generation currency protection, including sophisticated optical effects, machine-readable security elements, and hybrid physical-digital authentication technologies.
‘Our focus is not just on where we have been, but where we are heading, particularly in terms of the sophisticated integration of physical and digital authentication, said Dr Deakes. ‘By addressing these developments, we are equipping industry stakeholders with the tools necessary to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated counterfeiters’.
Global momentum: From US to China
Following its engagement in the US, IOTA will next participate in the Security Document Summit 2026, taking place in Beijing, China, from 26–28 May 2026. The summit is expected to bring together central banks, government authorities, secure document issuers, and technology providers from across the international security document community.
The first half of 2026 has already marked an active period for the association.
Earlier this year, IOTA launched its 2026 advocacy campaign during High Security PrintingTM EMEA in Rabat, Morocco, where the association presented a technical paper focused on next-generation optical security features for identity documents.
In March, the dialogue shifted to the healthcare sector at ASPA TAF Connect 2026 in India, where discussions centred on the growing challenge of pharmaceutical counterfeiting and the increasing need for stronger authentication measures within healthcare supply chains. During the event, the association highlighted Malaysia’s long-standing implementation of pharmaceutical authentication systems since 2005 and noted that India could draw valuable lessons from similar models.
This was followed by a webinar in April, as IOTA joins hands with the US-based Document Security Alliance to raise awareness of optical security technologies for high-security identity.
Furthermore, IOTA’s roadmap includes a highly anticipated technical webinar later this year, which will deep-dive into the specialised application of optical security within polycarbonate data pages, a burgeoning standard for international travel documents.
About IOTA
Founded in 1993, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA), formerly known as IHMA, represents leading companies in the optical security industry. The association promotes an inclusive ecosystem for optical security features, technologies, solutions, and systems that protect banknotes, identity credentials, and branded products. As the industry’s main voice, IOTA encourages innovation, helps set standards, and promotes global teamwork to fight counterfeiting and fraud.
For more information, visit https://iot-association.org.
