International Mobile Banking Updates - Sept 4

Nimbus‚ Finaccess join hands to offer mobile financial services to unbanked
"Nimbus Holdings and Finaccess entered into an agreement today to enable various businesses of Nimbus with a ubiquitous distribution network throughout the country — specifically in the rural parts and comprising over 500 dealers and sub dealers — to offer an end to end mobile financial service provided through the Hello Paisa Network."

Mobile Banking and Payments for Emerging Asia Summit 2012
"Bringing Senior Mobile Banking & Payments Stakeholders Together to Reach Commercialization. Clariden Global will be hosting a 2-day summit, Mobile Banking & Payments for Emerging Asia Summit 2012 - themed "Unleashing the Potential of Mobile Channels to Penetrate Emerging Markets in Asia,, on 8 to 9 October, at Conrad Bali."

DBBL launches Mobile Banking in partnership with Airtel 
"Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd Saturday formally launched mobile banking in partnership with Airtel Bangladesh Ltd, said a press release. As per the permission of the Bangladesh Bank, only a commercial bank can launch mobile banking services in Bangladesh. Under this initiative, Airtel subscribes will enjoy mobile banking services such as, cash-in, cash-out, remittance collection, salary disbursement, mobile top-up facility and person to person money transfer using DBBL mobile banking account."

Middle East consumers embrace mobile wallet services
"Mobile wallet services, which enable payments via mobile devices, are a potential growth industry in the Middle East, according to experts. While Asian markets look to be ahead of the pack, with a quarter of Japanese mobile users already managing their finances and paying for products via a mobile wallet, there is good potential for increased adoption in the coming year in the Middle East region, according to a study on mobile device usage by TNS, a technology and business strategy firm."

Nedbank app hits Play Store
"Nedbank has finally launched its mobile banking application, although only on Android-powered smartphones for now. The app, known as the Nedbank App Suite, has been available to the bank’s staff since the end of June and can now be downloaded from Google’s Play Store. The Nedbank App Suite includes online share trading as well as the ability to do corporate batch authorisations, reset business banking passwords, check balance enquiries and make payments."

Bank offers remote sign up
"Consumers sitting at home in their pyjamas can sign up to a bank without having to go near a physical main street branch. BNZ's upgraded iPhone app, launched today, allows anyone to join the bank using just an internet connection and a camera phone. The development follows the lead of TSB Bank, which pioneered a similar sign-up system in April with its [my]bank app. Would-be customers take a photograph of their passport or driver's licence, a recent bill or statement, and a self-portrait holding their ID."

Kwame Pianim calls for stronger regulations of mobile money and banking services
"Economist, Kwame Pianim is calling for stronger regulation of mobile money and mobile banking services in the country. This follows what he describes as a worrying trend of unfair competition posed by Telcos to other service providers. Mr. Pianim who is also the Board Chairman of Electronic payment Provider, E-Transact explains to JOY BUSINESS, mobile financial service-delivery is being unduly affected by the dual role of Telco’s."

Tagit helps MayBank Singapore offer mobile banking
"Since going mobile is the hottest trend, Maybank Singapore followed suit by offering mobile banking services Maybank mBanking App using Tagit’s proprietary Mobeix platform. The mobile banking service from Maybank is unique because of the level of personalisation it offers, and allows the users to connect to social media platforms for better service. This is possible because Mobeix works on a new design approach to mobile banking. Maybank’s mobile banking app is available for download in the Apple App Store starting August 24."

SA’s FNB Expands Mobile Services Through Cell C
"FNB and Cell C have announced that FNB Cellphone Banking customers are now able to buy Cell C SMS and Data bundles on the channel. Until now, the only Cell C product that was offered was prepaid airtime. FNB is the first and currently the only bank to enter into a partnership with Cell C to enable its customers to purchase SMS and Data Bundles. Shadrack Palmer CCO, of FNB Cellphone Banking says, 'This is an opportunity for us to increase our product and service offering to meet the needs of all our customers, especially on products that are currently in demand in the market. It is also an opportunity for us to attract new customers.'”

Mobile banking set to become user-friendly
"Banking transactions on mobile phones are set to become easier in a few days time. You will just need to key in the service code ‘*99#’ in your mobile to initiate funds transfer and check the balance in your bank account. To begin with, about 20 banks will offer the service code based mobile banking facility to customers who are subscribers of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. State Bank of India, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank and Union Bank of India will be part of the initial roll-out."

Mobile Wallet awareness is on the rise in Canada, but security is still a concern
"Canadian smartphone users, specifically those who access the various mobile banking apps, have reached a “critical mass” when it comes to being aware of the ability to pay for products and services at the point of purchase via their device. According to SRG’s Digital Life Canada Survey this key demographic represents about 4 million Canadians. Their study was conducted of 1,000 Canadians sometime in the spring of 2012."

Did you know you have five ways to bank with your mobile?
"Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all it’s flavor —English poet William Cowper Spoilt for choice: This is how you would feel when you think of making a mobile banking transaction. There are five options you can choose from. If you are not sure which mobile banking option you should choose, the following are a few simple ways to help you decide which option suits you better."