Banking for Billions, a new report , written by the Economist Intelligence Unit and commissioned by Barclays, examines the steps required to increase levels of financial inclusion around the world. It is based on two main strands of research: first, a series of in-depth interviews with leading experts and practitioners, and second, a programme of research into current levels of financial inclusion and efforts to improve the situation around the world.

It highlights seven main areas:

  1. The cycle of exclusion is powerful and self-reinforcing

  2. Financial inclusion is about much more than small loans

  3. Financial exclusion is a global issue

  4. Technology will bear fruit, but will also bring challenges

  5. The commercialisation of financial inclusion is not without controversy

  6. The global economic downturn has had an impact

  7. Policymakers need to tread lightly

In particular, it says of Mobile:

Mobile telephony, smart cards and
electronic transfers have already made
huge inroads in banking. the need for
new approaches to the provision of
finance is leading innovation and
helping to expand the reach of
financial services and reduce costs
for customers and providers. Mobile
phone technology may present a
lifeline to the unbanked, but it can
also be a headache for regulators, who
often have difficulty keeping pace
with innovation.

You can read the full report here