Driving Innovation and Customer Trust: The Role of Compliance, Speed, and Transparency in the Evolving Payments Landscape | IPR Global 2024

In today’s fast-evolving payments landscape, security, compliance, and customer expectations are more interconnected than ever. As businesses strive to innovate and meet the growing demand for faster, more transparent payment solutions, integrating compliance from the start is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity.

We gathered our panel of experts from top companies in the field to share their insights and strategies.

Panellists:

Michael Bermingham, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, Nium

Anastasia Serikova, VP, Head of Revenue and Growth, Visa Direct at Visa

Kunal Choudhary, Money Transfers Strategy Lead, Worldpay

Mitchell Fordham, Chief Revenue Officer & Co-founder, eSIM Go

Moderator:

Oussama Kseibati, Business Development Officer, RemitONE

1. Balancing Innovation with Security: How Are Companies Integrating Compliance to Enhance Trust in the Payments Landscape?

In the evolving payments landscape, security and compliance aren’t just obstacles—they’re integral to innovation and customer trust. Michael highlighted that integrating compliance directly into product development can actually streamline processes rather than create friction. By building end-to-end solutions that embed compliance from the start, companies can meet regulatory standards, mitigate fraud risks, and open doors for more secure, seamless transactions. This approach not only can potentially position companies as leaders in compliance but also offers clients and partners a smoother, more reliable service.

Anastasia echoed Michael’s view, emphasising that products must work in close harmony with compliance. Open, continuous dialogue with regulators is crucial to ensuring that innovation and security progress together. Recent cross-border payment targets set by the Financial Stability Board—such as the goal for 75% of cross-border payments to arrive within an hour, with the remainder arriving within one business day by 2027. While challenging, it can push the industry to ultimately improve transparency and customer satisfaction.

2. Shifting Customer Expectations and the Impact of Seamless Payments and Remittances on Satisfaction

Customer expectations should naturally evolve as innovation progresses, highlighted Kunal. If they aren’t changing, something’s off. He broke this down into three key areas: transparency, speed, and convenience. Worldpay’s recent report found 84% of consumers want one-click payments, 67% prioritise ease of use when choosing a preferred payment method, and an impressive 97% say that fast payouts are crucial for a positive remittance experience. Integrating these elements into your payment processes is essential for a seamless customer journey.

When it comes to customer loyalty, fees are a major factor—73% of respondents consider them when choosing a remittance provider. Even more telling, 98% said transparency from the beginning of the transaction is key to keeping them loyal. In contrast, hidden fees or a lack of transparency can break trust, leading 20% of customers to abandon a transaction and seek alternatives. Failure to meet expectations on transparency or fees could leave customers feeling blindsided, eroding their confidence in the brand.

Michael added to Kunal’s point, highlighting the growing demand for real-time payments. Today’s customers want to know exactly where their money is at every step of the journey. While speed is crucial, transparency about the transaction’s status throughout the process is just as important. Customers are increasingly frustrated when they don’t have visibility into the status of their payments, which can detract from their overall satisfaction.

3. Case Studies: Leading Companies Elevating Customer Experience

Mitchell shared how Western Union is utilising eSIM technology to enhance customer convenience and loyalty. Through their digital wallet, the company offers eSIM options that allow customers to stay connected while travelling abroad, making it easier to manage finances, communicate with family, and access their services. This added benefit not only enriches the customer experience but also helps retain users by offering more value. Additionally, this approach allows Western Union to gather data that can be used to further refine and improve their services.

Worldpay, one of the largest payment acquirers, has a robust global infrastructure supporting over 180 markets and processing more than 50 billion transactions in multiple currencies. This vast expertise enables them to help merchants expand into new markets and enhance the customer experience, pointed out Kunal. Worldpay’s ability to innovate in fraud prevention through AI and machine learning helps ensure flag fraudulent activity beforehand and prevent it moving forward. While their focus on offering a wide range of payment options helps meet diverse customer needs. Their continued commitment to enhancing the payments experience through these technologies has enabled merchants to expand into new markets with greater confidence, benefiting both businesses and customers alike.

A growing trend in the payments industry, highlighted by Anastasia, is the increasing demand for faster, more transparent payments, particularly for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). A notable example is Revolut’s instant payouts for businesses, a service powered by Visa Direct. This has been driven by the need for speed and clarity in payments.

4. Promoting Financial Inclusion Through Payments and Remittances in Underserved Regions

In regions like Latin America, particularly Brazil, the introduction of real-time payments through PIX has been a game-changer. This system allows users to send and receive payments instantly, bypassing traditional banking systems and making financial transactions more accessible. Additionally, the ability to store and use foreign currencies in digital wallets is helping underserved populations meet daily financial needs, especially in times of crisis. This has opened up new opportunities for individuals, such as remote workers and freelancers, who can now receive payments from employers across different regions without relying on traditional bank accounts.

Anastasia highlighted several initiatives powered by Visa that contribute to financial inclusion. She shared how Visa has facilitated rapid state payouts during crises, such as in Guatemala following a natural disaster. Through Visa’s payment rails, the government was able to distribute funds quickly to almost 3 million people. Looking ahead, Anastasia predicts that digital wallets are expected to play an even larger role in financial inclusion, making it easier for people in underserved regions to access financial services.

Mitchell also discussed the significant role of mobile operators in providing financial services to underserved regions, particularly through companies like MTN and Digicel. However, a more innovative approach where not only can money be transferred between phone numbers, but the mobile operator also provides a SIM card to the recipient. This creates opportunities to better understand user behaviour, track interests, and gather insights about customer segments. By offering mobile plans at affordable rates, these operators are able to deliver a range of services that offer more value than just low fees, which in turn helps foster stronger brand loyalty and financial inclusion.

What next?

At RemitONE, our commitment is to provide you with cutting-edge technology, compliance solutions, an expansive network, and expert guidance to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of remittances. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, we’ve got you covered.

Want to see how RemitONE can elevate your business? Book a free consultation to discover how we can supercharge your business

Empower Your Bank with RemitONE’s Cutting-Edge White Label Mobile App

The banking landscape is evolving faster than ever, and so are your customers’ needs. To meet their demands, you need a mobile app that not only keeps pace with these changes but also sets the standard for innovation and customisation.

With RemitONE’s white label mobile app, your bank can quickly launch a customised money transfer app on both iOS and Android platforms with minimal hassle.

Key Benefits:

Increase Revenue: Convert non-account holders into loyal customers and increase your revenue streams with additional services.

Expand Market Reach: Access new markets by leveraging connections with International Money Transfer Operators in the RemitONE EcoSystem™.

Flexible Integration: Connect seamlessly to your preferred payment gateways to keep your operations running smoothly.

Versatile E-Wallets: Issue e-wallets, allowing customers to top up their own accounts or send money to beneficiaries’ mobile wallets.

Quick Registration & Onboarding: Provide a smooth and efficient customer experience from start to finish to keep them returning.

If you’re looking stay ahead of the evolving digital landscape, get in touch today: sales@remitone.com.

Add a mobile plan to the digital wallet to generate loyalty, value and relevance

This article is brought to you in partnership with eSIM Go, written by Mitchell Fordham, Chief Revenue Officer & Co-founder at eSIM Go.

Payment brands, neobanks and other fintechs are continuously seeking innovative ways to foster loyalty, drive account registrations, and reduce customer acquisition costs (CAC). More and more have found it in a new category of digital service – eSIM mobile data and phone plans – that complements existing payment services and adds value to premium subscriptions.

The limited value of traditional loyalty perks and rewards

Consumer banking and payment services have entertained all kinds of perks and loyalty rewards with varying success. The more bizarre examples of waffle irons, garden tools and even hunting rifles tend to emanate from bricks and mortar institutions, while neobanks and digital payments providers gravitate towards virtual, subscription-based add-ons. These are either useful (e.g. gym membership), delightful (e.g. cinema tickets, free coffee) or a judicious mixture of both that also imbues feelings of safety, trust and permanence (e.g. personal or travel insurance).

It sounds great in theory, but the value quickly drains out of these for two reasons: 1) they aren’t necessarily essential, and 2) it isn’t obvious how they benefit the customer relationship.

Mobile data and phone plans, by contrast, not only create this additional value but also act as both a flywheel for perpetually evolving value and a conduit for a more complete, trusted and personalised customer relationship.

A digital connection that ties digital customers to your digital brand experience

eSIMs are virtual SIM cards, and this subtle change in telco technology makes it significantly easier for fintechs to not only offer mobile plans as an added customer perk, but to do so under their own brand. Having been held back by the historic constraints of plastic SIM card distribution and support infrastructure, payment providers and neobanks like Western Union and others have moved to capitalise on this digital evolution in mobile. The smartest are viewing this as a channel for achieving customer loyalty and other business objectives – understanding that it’s more than just a revenue generator.

All this is happening at a time when consumers have never been more reliant upon data connectivity both at home and especially when traveling abroad.

eSIMs in action

Western Union launched its eSIM offering in March, in partnership with eSIM Go. For them, equipping digital wallet customers with global connectivity possibilities serves the dual purpose of traveling with ease and optimising access to digital banking services from anywhere. Western Union eSIMs give customers hassle-free access to wallet-friendly data roaming, either to use on their next foreign trip or to effortlessly send to family and friends living abroad.

At the launch of the service, Western Union’s Head of Global Ecosystem Partnerships, James Osterloh, said: “We are delighted that, with this innovative service we enable our digital wallet customers to have full control over their connectivity needs as well as their finances, adding further value when they use our product.”

What connectivity does for customer acquisition and loyalty

eSIMs help consumers ‘beat the system’ and avoid expensive data roaming charges when traveling abroad. They also fit snugly within traditional loyalty schemes, representing an achievable reward that scales from less than $5 to over $100 per redemption.

The impetus for a branded eSIM service might begin as a subscription perk providing added value to customers, but it’s always got that scope to go on and open new avenues for continuous engagement. That’s because connectivity is a license to connect. It’s a new touchpoint; a bridge that, with permission, you can meet in the middle with your customers. Not only enabling them to use connectivity-reliant digital payment services more frequently, but also – for example – allowing fintech providers to harness valuable data on customer behaviour and preferences to use in delivering hyper-personalised content and offers.

It’s a future worth exploring. Rest assured, your competitors already are, and your customers won’t be far behind.

Meet eSIM Go at IPR Global 2024

Meet Platinum sponsors, eSIM Go at IPR Global this September. Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to connect with top decision-makers and industry giants.

Spaces are limited, get tickets today: https://global2024.ipr-events.com/

The Evolution and Impact of Digital Remittances

This article is brought to you in partnership with Visa.

The landscape of cross-border remittances has undergone a significant transformation over the past few
decades, moving away from being high-friction, expensive, and low transparency to being near real-time,
more cost-efficient, and more transparent.

The advent of digital remittance services has revolutionised this landscape. To enable this evolution, the
payments industry continues to make significant strides in the types of innovative solutions, the various
use cases, and the speed and costs of remittance services. This shift is reshaping how money is sent and
received globally, impacting millions of lives and economies.

The Digital Transformation

Digital remittances are now at the forefront of the industry, driven by advancements in mobile
technology and connectivity. Visa’s “Money Travels: Digital Remittances Adoption” Report found that
digital remittances are the preferred method among consumers across all surveyed countries, with 53%
of consumers turning to digital apps to send and receive funds around the world. According to the World
Bank, digital remittances are nearly 2% cheaper than cash remittances, which is a significant saving for
those sending money cross-border on a regular basis.

The benefits of digital remittances extend beyond just cost savings. These platforms offer speed, security,
and convenience, ensuring that funds are transferred quickly and safely. Of the estimated 200 million
migrants who send funds to their collective 800 million family members back home, many are turning to
digital methods, because app-based digital payments are considered the most secure means for sending
funds abroad¹. This is particularly crucial for families who rely on remittances for everyday needs like
food, education, and medical expenses.

Economic and Social Impact

When these payments are digital, they provide an additional boost to economic empowerment and
financial inclusion. With advances in digital payments, families benefit from the lower cost of sending or
receiving money abroad. They can have money available in near real-time so that they can spend it
immediately on what they need. With the right guardrails in place, remittance firms and lenders can
work together to extend credit based on customer behaviour, increasing access to financial services that
immigrants lack when they first move.

While remittances can improve the living conditions of those back home, they also fuel growth rates of
receiving economies. 29 countries received over 10 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) in
remittances in 2022¹, while seven received over 25 percent of their GDP this way².

Future Prospects and Challenges

Despite the advancements, challenges remain. Many payment corridors still lack basic infrastructure like
electricity and internet connectivity, which is a barrier for millions in digitising their cross-border
payments.

Innovation within Fintechs and banks, the transformation of global remitters and capabilities of solutions
developed by global payment networks are focused on helping to bring seamless, secure, and rapid
digital remittances within reach. Expanded choices are also important in how digitally enabled migrant
workers can more easily compare providers and costs to choose the best options for their families. Visa
Direct, Visa’s real-time money movement network, is powering many of these new solutions by helping
facilitate the fast delivery of funds directly to cards, bank accounts, and wallets around the world³.

The evolution of cross-border remittances from traditional methods to digital platforms has had a
transformative impact on global economies and communities. As digital adoption continues to rise, it
holds the potential to further empower individuals and drive economic growth, provided the challenges
of digital infrastructure are addressed. The future of remittances is undeniably digital, promising greater
efficiency, security, and inclusion for millions around the world.

¹Money Travels: 2023 Digital Remittances Adoption Report (visa.com)

²Migration and Development Brief 37: Remittances Brave Global Headwinds. Special Focus: Climate Migration.

³ Actual fund availability depends on receiving financial institution and region.

Meet Visa at IPR Global 2024

Joining as Platinum sponsors, you can meet Visa at our annual IPR Global event, where you can dive into deep conversations, explore potential partnerships, and discover the latest trends in the industry from leading influencers.

The top decision-makers will be there, so don’t miss this golden opportunity. Our spaces are limited, so seize your ticket now before it runs out at: https://global2024.ipr-events.com/

We look forward to seeing you!

RemitONE Liveness Feature™ Coming Soon: Real-Time Biometric Authentication for Digital Money Transfers

We are excited to announce the introduction of the RemitONE Liveness Feature™, brought to you through our collaboration with GBG.

The pace of digital transformation has accelerated remarkably in recent years, driven by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This technological surge has reshaped numerous sectors, offering innovative solutions.

In the healthcare sector, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) integrated AI-driven facial biometric checks into their mobile app to simplify login procedures, minimising the need for in-person visits and accelerating the onboarding process. Similarly, airlines like Emirates and Delta have also adopted biometric facial recognition for check-in, security clearance, and boarding, streamlining processes and reducing physical contact. These innovations highlight AI’s transformative power in reshaping industries and improving operations.

At RemitONE, we have responded swiftly by introducing the RemitONE Liveness Feature™, to help your business comply with the Payments Services Regulations (PSR). These regulations require strong customer authentication for security, and our new Liveness feature ensures that you meet these standards.

What is the RemitONE Liveness feature™?

The RemitONE Liveness feature™ is an innovative tool that uses advanced biometric facial recognition technology for real-time authentication during customer onboarding when the customer is not physically present.

This technology includes liveness testing, which alongside facial biometrics, detects fraudulent attempts such as deepfake images or silicone masks used during selfie submissions. This ensures that the submitted biometric data originates from a genuine person who is physically present. By integrating this feature into your customer onboarding process, you can mitigate the risk of financial penalties and protect your company’s reputation.

Stay tuned for when this feature will go live. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Africa Remittances: Traversing the New Frontier | IPR Global 2023

This insightful session will explore the evolving landscape of remittances in Africa, with a key focus on the transformative impact of mobile money services and e-wallets. Our panel of experts will delve into topics like the role of innovative technologies, financial inclusion, regulatory challenges, and the potential to reduce costs and promote economic development through remittances.

Discover how these digital financial tools are reshaping financial ecosystems, empowering underserved communities, and fostering cross-border economic integration across the African continent.

Moderator

Priscilla D´Oliveira Friedman, COO, CrossTech

Panellists:

Temiloluwa Adesina, Senior Product Manager, Flutterwave
Ababacar Seck, Managing Director, Africa, RemitONE & IPR
George Boateng, Chief Operations Manager, Unity Link Financial Services Limited
Reynell Badoe, Head, Everyday Banking, Stanbic Bank Ghana LTD

What is the current landscape of remittances in Africa, and how has it evolved over the past decade?

Across the continent, every country heavily relies on inbound transactions, creating a diverse landscape characterised by various players, services, business models, and remittance types, including traditional, digital, and informal methods. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the remittance market in Africa has proven to be remarkably dynamic and resilient, defying expectations of a decline in transactions. Comparing the present situation to the early 2000s, Ababacar highlighted the transformation from a market restricted by exclusive contracts favouring big players in international transactions to a more open and inclusive space that allows for domestic, regional, and international remittances. In the past, high prices were a significant barrier, but the advent of digital remittances has started to address this issue, although cash remains important due to cultural and behavioural factors.

The region’s people embrace digital tools but still value the human element. For example, using digital wallets for making in-person purchases keeping the face-to-face experience intact. It’s a reminder that, even in our tech-driven world, the human connection remains a crucial part of how Africans handle their finances.

There has been growth in various sectors, such as mobile money, payments, sending goods, and B2B remittances, indicating the expanding horizons of remittance services. Furthermore, the informal market, once overlooked, is now recognised as a major untapped opportunity in the evolving landscape of remittances in Africa.

George recalls how in the past there was a heavy reliance on fax for transactions, which could take up to a week, whilst the shift to bank deposits seemed promising for quicker transactions, the uptake was low due to financial exclusion. The prevalence of cash transactions in Africa posed challenges for cash pickup in banks, requiring identification. However, the digital revolution, with its elimination of such barriers, has unlocked the potential. The increasing role of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), expanding rapidly across Africa, is a key driver of this growth, making the remittance landscape more accessible and promising for the future.

Reynell delves into the changing dynamics from a banking perspective. Historically, banks in Africa primarily focused on settlements, with the actual business of money transfers being led by Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) and Payment Service Providers (PSPs). Remittances, play a crucial role in contributing significantly to the GDP of African countries, with figures ranging from 5-6% in countries like Ghana and Nigeria, and up to 10% in other regions. This underscores the economic importance of remittances in the African context.

The regulatory environment in Africa presents a hurdle, slowing down the pace of innovation for banks. Unlike MTOs, many banks in Africa still operate in person, leading to higher operational costs. This insight showcases the need for adaptation and innovation within the banking sector to keep pace with the evolving remittance landscape in Africa. Despite these challenges, Reynells perspective highlights the immense significance of remittances for African economies and the imperative need for banks to navigate regulatory complexities to actively participate in the changing dynamics of the remittance market in the continent.

What should companies be thinking about when entering this market?

It’s crucial to have a well-thought-out strategy when venturing into the African remittance market. Licensing requirements, play a pivotal role in determining the speed of market entry. Partnerships are another key factor that can significantly accelerate the entry process, emphasising the collaborative nature of the industry.

You can easily tap into reliable partners to fast-track your entry into the market through RemitONE Connections to secure you with an instant business community that would take months and years to build yourselves within the Africa region. This also means you must have flexible technology with strong API integration capabilities to connect, RemitONE’s Money Transfer Platform is both modular and scalable. For more information get in touch with us at sales@remitone.com.

Temi suggests, a targeted strategy focused on specific regions is more effective rather than adopting a broad approach. For instance, in francophone regions of Africa where french is widely spoken as a second language, similar regulations and cultures prevail. By tailoring strategies to these specific regions with shared characteristics, one can enhance the effectiveness of market penetration.

George reassures that entering the market shouldn’t be daunting as specialists are available in every country to help guide you through the loops. However, a thorough understanding of the local customer dynamics, including their behaviour, attitudes, and cultural nuances is essential. He advocates for a more strategic approach that involves aligning with the demographic profiles of potential customers that resonate with the services your company offers. This perspective underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity, customer-centric strategies, and long-term relationship building as key considerations for companies seeking to successfully enter and navigate the African remittance market.

What innovative technologies and platforms are reshaping the way remittances are sent and received in Africa, and how are they increasing financial inclusion?

Mobile money has significantly altered the dynamics of remittance transactions with the help of the widespread ownership of mobile devices, coupled with increased telecommunications access, which has catalyzed a notable surge in remittances across the continent. Partnerships between remittance providers and telecommunications companies like Safaricom, have also played a pivotal role. This collaborative approach has proven instrumental in fostering innovation within the industry, creating a synergistic environment where different players work together to enhance services and accessibility.

Furthermore, the adoption of stablecoins, with the involvement of companies like Stellar and Ripple, is an emerging trend. These digital assets provide stability in value and are being utilised by companies to facilitate remittance transactions, offering an alternative to traditional currency-based transfers.

Interoperability, between mobile wallets, bank accounts, and cash through partnerships, is another critical aspect of the evolving remittance landscape in Africa. The seamless connectivity between various financial instruments and channels ensures a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for individuals sending and receiving remittances.

What challenges do African diaspora communities face when sending remittances, and how can these obstacles be addressed to improve the flow of funds?

High costs associated with remittances into Africa continue to persist, irrespective of the sending country, attributable to both financial and regulatory obstacles. Despite the advent of mobile money, Reynell believes certain African countries still heavily rely on physical locations such as banks or MTOs, posing difficulties for beneficiaries in accessing funds.

Additional challenges faced by the underbanked, particularly in rural areas and villages, where limited access to banks poses a significant barrier. Foreign exchange (FX) fluctuations were identified as another obstacle, leading to reduced amounts being received by the recipients. In addition, regulatory challenges also extend to the senders, particularly undocumented migrants who wish to send funds. The need for proof of address or source of funds presents a barrier, hindering their ability to send remittances until these documents are provided. To mitigate this challenge, George proposes that an alternative solution would involve embracing informal money transfer methods as well as the increasing interoperability between MNOs which will provide new opportunities for more efficient and cost-effective money transfers.

Ababacar further observes that while Africans can travel between countries with just their ID, the requirement for a passport when sending money presents a misunderstanding and inconsistency that act as barriers to entry for remittances from the diaspora. This discrepancy in identification processes poses a challenge, adding an unnecessary layer of complexity for individuals attempting to send funds.

He further points out the lack of interoperability across the continent. The absence of a unified system restricts some diaspora communities from utilising MNOs as a viable option for remittance transactions. This limitation not only hinders the accessibility of services but also contributes to the overall challenge of navigating the remittance landscape.

Also, within many MNOs, there isn’t an available option to transact money in different currencies. This lack of flexibility in currency options adds another layer of complication for the diaspora communities attempting to send funds across borders.

To tackle these challenges, improving identification processes by harmonising them with the adaptable regulations in Africa may help alleviate inconsistencies in requirements. Furthermore, fostering interoperability across the continent would amplify the accessibility of remittance services for diaspora communities. Urging MNOs to offer transaction options in various currencies would significantly ease the flow of funds, catering to the diverse needs of the African diaspora.

What innovations are emerging within the mobile money ecosystem that have the potential to further enhance the convenience and efficiency of remittance transactions?

Mobile money services have notably increased accessibility by introducing digital wallets accessible through mobile phones. These mobile wallets have evolved beyond simple remittance tools and can now function similarly to bank accounts, offering users the ability to engage in activities such as loans, savings, bill payments, and more through dedicated mobile apps.

The widespread adoption of mobile wallets has spurred further innovation, with the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to assess credit scores. This, in turn, enables the provision of loans and overdrafts based on users’ spending patterns, showcasing a holistic approach to financial services within the mobile money ecosystem.

George highlighted the cultural integration of mobile wallets in African daily life, noting that some individuals receive their salaries exclusively through mobile wallets. This trend has led to mobile wallets becoming integral to people’s lives, so much so that even transport providers can be paid using mobile money. The efficiency and convenience offered by mobile wallets have positioned them as more than just a substitute for traditional banking; they have become the preferred choice for many. Euromonitor International found in the sub-Saharan African region, there were over 600 million registered mobile money accounts, facilitating transactions exceeding USD 600 billion in 2022, with it expected to grow even more in the coming years, especially with the help of central banks reducing barriers to entry.

Moreover, George speculated on the future trajectory, foreseeing a potential end to the dominance of cash in the coming years. However, he acknowledged that this transformation depends on continued investments in the economy and the infrastructure required for the digital revolution to take root.

Priscilla added to this narrative by drawing parallels with Brazil, where digital payments, exemplified by Pix payments, have also been gaining prominence. These digital payment methods contribute significantly to driving economic growth, simplifying transactions, and mirroring the trend observed in the African mobile money ecosystem.

What next?

At RemitONE, our commitment is to provide you with cutting-edge technology, compliance solutions, and expert guidance to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of remittances. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your business, we’ve got you covered.

Want to see how RemitONE can elevate your business? Book a free consultation with our experts today!

Interview with David Lambert, from Paycross | IPR Global 2023

We sat down with David, CEO of Paycross during our Innovation in Payments and Remittances (IPR) Global event, to share his views on open banking, payment processing and much more.

David is a seasoned payments professional with a rich background spanning 12 years in the industry. His expertise encompasses card payment processing, cross-border payments, open banking, and transaction data analytics, with a specialised focus on the remittance sector.

Watch the full video to find out his thoughts.

Payments Rewired: Blockchain’s Impact on Remittances | IPR Global 2023

In this instalment, we traverse the corridors of Open Banking’s impact on cross-border remittances, harnessing AI’s potential for efficiency, and navigating the realm of blockchain-based solutions. Buckle up for an insightful session through the dynamic intersection of finance, technology, and innovation.

Moderator

Lindsay Lehr, Managing Director, PCMI

Panellists:

Walter D’Cruz, Director, Moneo Solutions
Sukhi Srivatsan, Head of Account Management, AZA Finance
David Lambert, CEO, Paycross

How does open banking facilitate cross-border remittances and interoperability between financial institutions?

Let’s first understand what open banking is before diving in. David summarises it as an instant domestic bank transfer system. This essentially allows third-party entities access to users’ financial data via APIs, enabling them to make payments on behalf of the user. Walter expanded on this, emphasising how real-time payments and data exchange are subsets of open banking. He highlighted the challenge it poses to direct debit and recurring payments, especially in merchant-initiated transactions.

David also shed light on Open Banking’s potential as an alternative payment method by making instant payments by just scanning QR codes; however, he notes its limited spread in the market. Drawing parallels with established systems like PayPal or Apple Pay, he stressed the need for better branding and consumer familiarity to propel Open Banking into a mainstream payment method. Moreover, the discussion linked Open Banking to Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), foreseeing their role in accelerating international payment rails for faster digital currency. However, concerns were raised about CBDCs being entirely under central banking control, prompting potential government involvement due to public apprehension.

How can AI be leveraged to enhance the accuracy of remittance transactions and improve the user experience?

Sukhi highlighted critical pain points faced at AZA Finance when it came to liquidity projection and forecasting for their clients. Addressing the need to ensure sufficient currency availability at the right time and place without inflating costs for clients. To tackle this, they created an internal model that utilised historical client data to predict future growth patterns, aiding in better preparation for customer demands and enabling proactive measures such as potentially offering increased liquidity when moving to new markets.

However, David expressed scepticism about the reliability of predictive AI for precise forecasting. He highlighted the limitations of AI, emphasising its dependence on the data it’s fed and its inability to independently form entirely accurate projections due to various external factors influencing trends. He believed AI must be heavily controlled, such as by setting rule parameters and cautious utilisation, to prevent misleading or inaccurate predictions.

Acknowledging this, Sukhi agreed that human involvement was crucial. While AI forecasts might not be pinpoint accurate, they allow for better-informed decisions.

Walter countered common fears around AI. He emphasised AI’s role in expediting data analysis by enabling quicker translation of data into actionable insights, thereby saving time and effort. Walter advocated for a practical approach, distancing from rigid rule parameters, which is especially beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often struggle with sourcing and analysing multiple data sources to make informed decisions. This flexibility allows smaller businesses to compete and innovate alongside industry giants.

What are some real-world examples of successful blockchain-based remittance solutions?

Walter sees blockchain as a global equaliser capable of transferring value across boundaries in real time. However, he underscores the importance of recognising blockchain independently from central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and cryptocurrencies, as they still involve inherent complexities like exchange rates and associated costs. However, the challenge of decentralisation may be difficult for society to embrace.

David, on the other hand, points out a fundamental issue: the persisting limitations in the speed of money movement due to technological and regulatory barriers. He notes that blockchain doesn’t inherently address this challenge, especially with governments increasingly advocating for CBDCs, which introduces another layer of complexity and opposition.

Furthering the conversation, Walter delves into the intricacies of technological efficiency. He cites an example of banks implementing cheque scanners to streamline verification processes, yet this technological enhancement didn’t significantly impact on the time taken for the money to be deposited into bank accounts. This prompts doubts about the effectiveness of new technologies in speeding up financial transactions. There is the possibility for a potential paradigm shift if major retailers, such as Amazon, embed cryptocurrencies. There is also an opportunity for the adoption of blockchain within the remittance industry; however, there needs to be collaboration among stakeholders to lay down a functional framework and process. This collective effort is crucial to overcome the hurdles and ensure a more meaningful integration of this technology into the financial landscape.

What next?

Want to see how RemitONE can elevate your business? Book a free consultation with our experts today!

RemitONE Feature Focus Webinar: Securer Transactions, Anti-Fraud Tools & White-Label Mobile App

In this webinar, our speakers will unveil powerful tools to combat fraudulent onboarding, ensure secure transaction management on both Android and iOS, and gain centralised control of your branded mobile app for seamless operations.

Each quarter, we will host live webinars to explore and demonstrate updates and improvements to the Money Transfer Engine, and chat with our valued clients about features they want to implement or wish to see in the future.

For more information on enabling new features on your system, contact support@remitone_admin

What next?

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Mastering Modern Compliance: Adapting to the Changing Landscape and Overcoming De-risking

The essence of your money service business (MSB) survival lies in compliance. Every passing year brings forth changes, demanding continuous vigilance to keep pace with evolving laws and regulations, ensuring sustained compliance for business operations.

Join us in this discussion as we explore the dynamic trends shaping compliance, uncovering strategies to proactively anticipate and adapt to upcoming changes, enabling businesses to stay ahead.

Moderator

Rob Ayers, Business Development, Bates Group

Panellists:

Ibrahim Muhammad, Senior Payments Consultant, Finxplor
Nadeem Qureshi, CTO, USI Money
Jonathan Jensen, Global Regulatory Policy Advisor, GBG

How has the landscape of compliance in payments and remittances changed over the years and what are the driving forces behind these changes?

Ibraheem reflected on the earlier era in the mid-’90s when operations took precedence over compliance, with front offices catering to customers and back offices managing processes without dedicated compliance teams. However, events like 9/11 marked a turning point, prompting companies to recognise the vital role of compliance and the necessity for dedicated compliance teams. Ibraheem believes technology advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving customer expectations as the primary driving forces behind these changes.

Jonathan also observed a heightened emphasis on a risk-based approach in recent years, noting a departure from rigid, prescriptive regulations to more flexible frameworks

Nadeem echoed the sentiments of his fellow panellists and shed light on the pandemic-induced surge in regulatory pressure, compelling firms to prioritise operational resilience programs. Regulators increasing demand on firms to implement such programs was another noticeable shift, reflecting the evolving nature of compliance requirements in response to global challenges.

Can you provide examples of regulatory changes which have had a significant impact on the payments and remittance industry? How have organisations adapted to comply with these changes?

In the wake of the pandemic, there’s a growing emphasis on implementing resilience and operational strategies. There are concerns firms are unprepared for the Consumer Duty regulation that commenced in July 2023. This regulation demands higher standards for customer care, aligning products/services with customer needs, and ensuring fair pricing. Nadeem discussed essential considerations for firms, such as ensuring tailored customer services for individuals with disabilities and effectively identifying the needs of vulnerable customers. He cautioned that many firms have yet to implement these regulations in their operations, suggesting seeking advice from advisors, consultants, and relevant departments to avoid potential penalties for non-compliance.

Jonathan also noted a recent regulatory change acknowledging the advantages of technology. He highlighted the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group’s (JMLSG) publication advocating for biometric checks to prevent fraudulent onboarding, showcasing a regulatory shift towards acknowledging and leveraging technological advancements for enhanced security and fraud prevention in the industry.

We at RemitONE have recently collaborated with GBG to introduce the RemitONE Liveness feature™, a vital defence for our clients in today’s technology-driven world. The risk of impersonation looms large, causing considerable financial losses for companies due to fraudulent activities. Therefore, safeguarding your system with this tool is crucial to combat fraudulent onboarding effectively.

This technology includes liveness testing, which alongside facial biometrics, detects fraudulent attempts such as deepfake images or silicone masks used during selfie submissions. This ensures that the submitted biometric data originates from a genuine person who is physically present. By equipping your systems with this tool, you can effectively prevent fraudulent onboarding, reducing the risk of severe financial losses and potential damage. Looking ahead, such advancements promise a future where companies can safeguard their operations more effectively, fostering trust and security with their customers.

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What are the primary reasons behind financial institutions’ decisions to de-risk and how can payment providers mitigate the impact of de-risking on their operations?

There is a growing need for stringent policies within banks to combat financial crime, highlighting the persistent challenge posed by cross-border regulatory disparities, as noted by Nadeem. Banks weigh commercial viability and transactional volume heavily, often leading to sector exits. However, with the evolving landscape, there are more available options like payment service providers and EMIs offering umbrella accounts, catering to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transfer operators.

There are also different regional variations approaches to de-risking. Ibraheem referenced a case where a UK politician’s account closure, sparked media attention on political implications, which led the FCA to address the issue, by tightening regulation. Stakeholders should take a collaborative approach in the payment ecosystem for a more nuanced, risk-based approach rather than blanket policies. There is also a UK trend of reluctance in onboarding PEPs due to high incorporation costs, this reinforces the need for a risk assessment based on sectors and jurisdictions rather than denying access. This approach could streamline onboarding while minimising risks associated with certain customers.

The panellists collectively agreed with the necessity for adaptive, risk-centric approaches within financial institutions to mitigate de-risking impacts on payment providers and foster a more inclusive yet secure financial landscape.

What role does customer due diligence (CDD) play in modern compliance efforts and how can organisations balance customer experience with the need for rigorous customer due diligence requirements?

CDD is the core of compliance, but there needs to be a balance between conducting necessary checks without disrupting the customer experience, as expressed by Jonathan. Leveraging appropriate technology to streamline processes and ensure a seamless experience for customers while effectively fulfilling CDD requirements is crucial.

Ibraheem highlighted the varying approaches taken by companies, tailoring due diligence based on regions and types of products or services offered. He explained that transactions to high-risk jurisdictions warrant enhanced due diligence, while those to lower-risk areas could involve less stringent checks for customer convenience. Additionally, Ibraheem pointed out that different services, such as cash pick-ups versus account transfers, require varying levels of scrutiny, aligning due diligence with the nature of the service provided.

Nadeem echoed the sentiments of Jonathan and Ibraheem, emphasizing the importance of aligning enhanced due diligence (EDD) with the commercial model, service type, and territorial risks. He underscored the benefits of applying a risk-based approach, suggesting that robust internal systems established through such an approach can yield long-term benefits for organisations in compliance efforts.

What next?

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