April 19, 2023 Mobile money uptake outstrips GSMA expectations Global daily mobile money transactions reached a value of $3. 5 billion in 2022, industry association GSMA revealed, with $1. 3 trillion processed by suppliers across the whole year. By Chris Donkin
Asia Pacific Huawei Network Tech RAN Vendors March 30, 2023 Huawei, bKash combine for Bangladesh inclusion drive Mobile money company bKash and Huawei inked an expanded agreement to boost digital financial inclusion in its home market of Bangladesh. By Chris Donkin
Asia Pacific Operators Rakuten March 22, 2023 Rakuten wins approval for bank unit IPO The Tokyo Stock Exchange approved a listing of Rakuten Bank, with the IPO scheduled for 21 April estimated to generate up to JPY116. 6 billion ($880. 5 million) for parent Rakuten Group. By Joseph Waring
Dish Network North America Operators October 28, 2022 Boost Mobile launches banking service Dish Network’s pre-paid wireless brand Boost Mobile expanded into the financial sector with the launch of a banking service offering mobile access to money transfers, debit cards and digital cheques. By Mike Robuck
Asia Pacific Operators August 5, 2022 Korea operators forge financial JV South Korean operators joined forces with two local credit agencies, outlining plans to establish a joint venture to improve access to financial transaction data. By Joseph Waring
Apple Devices July 19, 2022 Apple in firing line over payment practices Apple was hit with a lawsuit over allegations it uses its market dominance in devices to establish a leadership position in mobile payments, the latest antitrust battle facing the iPhone maker. By Kavit Majithia
Airtel Sub-Saharan Africa July 4, 2022 Airtel expands Nigeria banking service Airtel Africa added banking services to its portfolio of Smartcash Payment Service Bank services in Nigeria, building on a domestic remittance-based set-up launched in May as it seeks to enhance financial inclusion in the country. By Amiya Johar