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Existing banking systems are too old for mobile banking.

If we know, we tend to forget this, and if we are ignorant, we would never believe it: but banking is actually not real time. What you see is not necessarily what is, nor is it what you may get. Listen to what Bill Streeter say in a recent article in the ABA Banking Journal:

“On the other hand, if you define real time as handling any transaction at any channel only once, at which point final posting occurs, then very few U.S. institutions are doing that….. Real time was also the norm for years with savings and loans and credit unions, and still is in some cases, though the movement to check-based transactions changed things for many of these institutions.”

The rest of the article is a great read about the state of real-time-ness in banking and how difficult it is to turn existing banks into real time machines. Or to quote from the article: “Changing core systems is not for the faint of heart,”

Which made me think: why do we want to put mobile banking and payment solutions on top of old banking systems? The whole idea of using a mobile phone for banking is that I can do stuff in real-time. I mean, can you imagine having a telephone call in batch? Phones are made (and consumers expect them to be) real-time devices. It is just absolutely crazy to plug a mobile phone into a system that does not work in real-time.

In order to bring the true benefit of mobile banking, we will have to re-define banking from the ground up. The banking systems that should sit underneath mobile banking should be designed in a different (more modern view). If a transaction happens we post a debit and a credit and it is done (simple). If we have to reverse the transaction, we post a credit and a debit. This is not so difficult. This means that mobile banking (in many cases) would initially be a separate system.

Once again, this is not so far-fetched. Banks did it when they launched credit card systems a few decades ago, and it seemed to work pretty well. Why should we not do it with mobile payment systems. Just a thought…

Source Courtesy: http://mbanking.blogspot.com/2009/07/existing-banking-systems-are-too-old.html

MoneyGram International and Affinity Global Services Launch Mobile Money Transfer Service Agreement brings MoneyGram’s convenient cash-transfer services to Mobile Network Operators and their customers

MoneyGram International (NYSE: MGI – News), a leading provider of global payment services, and Affinity Global Services, a leading mobile financial services company, today announced an agreement that will enable mobile money transfer receives in important markets around the globe, bringing greater convenience and extending the benefits of MoneyGram services to a new category of consumers.

According to the World Bank, more than 200 million people live outside their home country. Mobile networks, which are now globally available, help immigrants stay connected and mobile money transfer applications will enable these and other subscribers better manage their finances. The MoneyGram and Affinity Global Services alliance will allow consumers to use MoneyGram’s agent network of over 180,000 locations around the world to send money to an account associated with a mobile device.

“In developing economies, there are more people with mobile phones than traditional bank accounts. We see a tremendous opportunity to better serve these consumers by delivering MoneyGram remittances in compelling new formats such as mobile technology,” said Anthony Ryan, MoneyGram president and chief executive officer. “Our relationship with Affinity Global Services will significantly enhance our agent network by allowing us to partner with mobile network operators in key corridors such as Latin America, Asia and Africa, and provide convenient, affordable and reliable money transfer services to consumers around the world.”

Affinity Global Services is the first Mobile Gateway to facilitate MoneyGram services, and will provide technical connectivity between MoneyGram and various mobile network operators. The MoneyGram mobile money transfer service will use Affinity Global’s MADE™ Platform, enabling MoneyGram to connect to virtually any mobile network operator. The parties are currently in discussion with a mobile network operator which is expected to be the first to launch the service to consumers later this year.

”MoneyGram understands that success in the mobile sector is about more than just technology,” said Ritchie Skelding, Affinity Global Services chairman. “To make mobile money transfer services work on a global scale requires a partner with world-class systems and a willingness to partner with mobile operators. Success also takes a commitment to deliver consumer value in a simple and transparent way. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ in this rapidly evolving space so MoneyGram’s entrance into the mobile money sector will help accelerate adoption of these services.”

About Affinity Global Services, Inc.

Affinity Global Services is a mobile solutions company based in Dallas, Texas. We believe in bringing economic freedom and opportunity to underbanked people around the world.

Established in 2004 and funded by US and international venture capitalists, Affinity boasts a leadership team of wireless and financial services veterans. We understand that wireless technology can deliver financial empowerment to those in need – and that providing such empowerment benefits everyone. For more information, visit www.affinityglobalservices.com.

About MoneyGram

MoneyGram International offers more control and more choices for people separated from friends and family by distance or those with limited bank relationships to meet their financial needs. A leading global payment services company, MoneyGram International helps consumers to pay bills quickly and safely send money around the world in as little as 10 minutes. Its global network is comprised of 180,000 agent locations in 190 countries and territories. MoneyGram’s convenient and reliable network includes retailers, international post offices and financial institutions. Now, MoneyGram offers its most loyal customers MoneyGram Rewards for cash discounts on eligible money transfers from the U.S. – visit www.mymoneygram.com to register today. To learn more about money transfer or bill payment at an agent location or online, please visit www.moneygram.com.

Source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/MoneyGram-International-and-bw-222672343.html?x=0&.v=1

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