In his book Cloudmoney: Cash, Cards, Crypto, and the War for Our Wallets , Brett Scott argues that the move toward a "cashless society" is not a natural evolution of technology, but a deliberate campaign by financial institutions and Big Tech to replace a public good (cash) with a private, surveilled, and extractive digital alternative. He defines "cloudmoney" as the digital money issued by the banking sector that requires the fusion of Big Finance and Big Tech to function, effectively turning every transaction into a data-gathering opportunity for corporations. Key Themes and Insights
: The book uncovers a long-established lobbying infrastructure—including banks, card companies, and international agencies—that wages a "covert war" on physical money. This campaign often uses the banner of "progress" or "financial inclusion" to herd users into digital systems that are easier to monitor and tax. Cloudmoney - Brett Scottepub
: Offers the Cloudmoney: Cash, Cards, Crypto, and the War for Our Wallets; eBook; Author - Brett Scott for $12.99. In his book Cloudmoney: Cash, Cards, Crypto, and
: While many view cryptocurrency as a rebel alternative, Scott offers a contrarian view, suggesting that crypto often fails to provide the true "bearer instrument" benefits of cash and can sometimes even accelerate the digitization and automation of the financial system. Why This Matters Today This campaign often uses the banner of "progress"
As major platforms and governments push for digital currencies (including CBDCs), Scott’s work serves as a defense of "analogue friction". He compares cash to emergency staircases in a skyscraper—unsexy and often ignored, until the high-tech systems fail and you need a reliable way out. Where to Read
: Scott describes the shift to digital as a form of "corporate seep," where previously direct peer-to-peer relationships are replaced by institutionally mediated ones. This process often excludes the working class and marginalized groups who rely on the universal accessibility of cash.
AI responses may include mistakes. For financial advice, consult a professional. Learn more In defence of cash: a review of Brett Scott's 'Cloudmoney'