By Terry Hughes, founder and CEO of Pivotal SecPlusand a finalist in the 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme
In a sector often seen as traditional, innovation has always been the heartbeat of PivotalSecPlus (PSP). As a leader in cash-in-transit, cash management and ATM services, we believe technology isn’t just a tool, it’s a catalyst for resilience, security and smarter decision-making. Our success depends not only on operational excellence, but on continually reimagining how technology can strengthen security, improve efficiency and deliver greatervalue to our clients. In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, we see innovation not as an optional pursuit but as a responsibility to our customers, our partners and the communities we serve.
The role of artificial intelligence and data analytics in our sector cannot be overstated. At PSP, we are using these tools to create smarter, safer and more efficient systems across the cash cycle. By applying predictive analytics, we can anticipate customer needs, from optimising cash replenishment for ATMs, to streamlining secure cash-in-transit routes.These insights also help us identifyoperational bottlenecks before they occur, improving efficiency across the entire cash cycle.
AI also strengthens our risk management capabilities. Machine learning models help detect anomalies and suspicious patterns, protecting against fraud and security breaches. This proactive approach means we don’t just respond to risks but actively prevent them. It is an essential step in safeguarding customer trust, the integrity of our services and regulatory compliance.Digital transformation within PSP is not about replacing human expertise,it is about enhancing it. The movement of physical cash will always require the precision, discipline,traceability and trust that comes from people but the systems that support those movements are ripe for digital innovation.
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We are investing in our platforms that integrate cash logistics with real-time data insights, enabling customers to see the full picture of their cash flow. By digitising legacy processes, we are removing friction from the supply chain and creating seamless experiences for banks, retailers and society in general. Digital transformation enables us to deliver not just services but actionable intelligence that empowers our customers to make smarter business decisions.
The cash industry is often perceived as traditional, but the pace of technological change is accelerating. We’re seeing several key trends reshape the cash management landscape, each presenting new opportunities for innovation:
Smart ATMs and IoT connectivity - ATMs are evolving into multifunctional terminals, equipped with IoT sensors that enable predictive maintenance and reduce downtime.
Contactless and hybrid payment ecosystems - Even as digital payments grow, cash remains essential. We are investing in solutions that blend digital convenience with physical reliability (PSP Banking Hubs).
Blockchain and secure ledgers - These technologies are opening new opportunities in transparency and traceability, which are crucial factors in high-value logistics.
Cybersecurity as a differentiator - With increased digitisation comes heightened cyber risk. At PSP, resilience and protection are core to every innovation we introduce.
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These trends signal not the decline of cash, but its reinvention in a connected, data-driven world.
As the founder of Pivotal SecPlus, I’ve always believed that innovation must be both purposeful and resilient. This year, I was honoured to be shortlisted as a finalist in the 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme — a recognition that reflects not just our technologicaljourney, but the leadership required to navigate and transform a sector often seen as traditional.Being recognised within the EOY community underscores the importance of long-termvision, agilityand innovation. Just as EY celebrates entrepreneurs who reshape industries, we are determined to challenge the status quo in ours.
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