There are risk-management methodologies to deal with such unsettled amounts through collateral and credit limits. As an ultimate measure to reduce such unsettled amounts, however, a central bank might be able to take decisive action in terms of time and provide settlements with finality also at night and on weekends. Indeed, such action is now being considered in Europe and Australia.
2/4  BIS central bankers' speeches  Innovation in information technology and central bank payment and settlement systems Meanwhile, innovation in information technology is making the cost of handling cash more visible. In addition, while virtual currencies such as Bitcoin have emerged under the trend of FinTech, some people argue that central banks should consider issuing digital currencies, which could partially replace banknotes.