le paiement mobile

Le paiement par mobile est déjà un succès en Afrique

Alors que l'Europe peine à adopter le paiement par téléphone, le mobile banking séduit les populations non bancarisées. Au point de devenir une alternative à la banque de réseau. Après le formidable succès de m-Pesa au Kenya, les banques et les opérateurs mobiles français prennent position en Afrique de l'Ouest sur un marché déjà très prometteur ... LesEchos.fr

Mobile Payments Talk with Hannes van Rensburg, CEO of Fundamo

Après l'interview de Carol Realini la semaine passée, voici en exclusivité un entretien avec Hannes van Rensburg le CEO de Fundamo, mais également l'auteur du fameux blog Mobile Banking que je vous conseille vivement de lire. Je vous laisse découvrir les révélations qu'il nous livre:

　

PL: Hannes, it was a real pleasure to meet you here in Paris during Mobile Payment Expo and thank you for the time you are spending to answer the questions for "le paiement mobile".

Fundamo belongs to the mobile banking’s pioneer. What’s Fundamo and how did you come to the idea to do this?

HV: Philippe it is great to speak to you as I respect your work and the insights that I have gained in your writings. Fundamo is the largest dedicated supplier of mobile banking solutions, globally. We supply a software platform to mobile operators and banks that can be configured to offer various solutions (including mobile wallets) to customers. We are based in Cape Town and have offices in six other countries, amongst others in Madrid.

I developed the Fundamo concept during 1999 as an experimental project in a large corporation. When management decided to discontinue the project, I raised some money and took the concept out of the corporation and established Fundamo. This was very visionary and possibly "before its time" as most mobile phones could not even send SMS’s during those years. We managed to survive during extremely difficult times, but are now thankful to be growing very fast.

PL : It’s now an evidence that some main criteria for the success of mobile financial services must be : easy user experience, all device compatibility, and all mobile operator. Is-it the case for Fundamo?

HV: Because Fundamo is a software platform, it can easily be configured to offer solutions in many different formats and delivery channels. The software supports many different devices and carriers (SIM Cards, SMS, USSD, Downloadable applications and Browsers). It can be configured to offer solutions to banks or mobile operators and can easily integrate to third party solutions and different banking clearing mechanisms. The flexibility (multi-language, multi-currency, multi- device and multi-bank) is one of the competitive advantages of the Fundamo solution. This is especially relevant as we know that almost no mobile payment solution having been implemented have remained static – but required multiple adaptations in order to be successful.

PL: According to my understanding, Fundamo is a technology brand, behind several projects promoted by operators and banks, how many users are currently doing banking with your technology? Do you have the ambition to make Fundamo a consumer brand out of it?

HV: Fundamo is not a consumer brand, but is deployed under many different consumer brands owned by our customers. This is in line with our strategy as we do not want to compete with our customers. The subscribers administrated on Fundamo platforms are a few million, running hundred’s of million transactions a year. We have deployed customers or active projects in almost thirty countries.

PL: Did you estimate how many previously unbanked people can now use financial services due to your initiative?

HV: Yes, this is an important measurement for us, as it shows what the potential of our solution is if it is fully utilized. Currently Fundamo technology has made banking services accessible to more than a hundred million subscribers.

PL : You have signed recently a big deal with MTN, the amount announced is substantial, is-it a real kick off for you and more generally for the African and middle east markets?

HV: I believe that the MTN deal is the first time that a large multi-national group selected one technology supplier to deploy one solution in every country that the group is in operation. The intention is to deploy Mobile Money (the MTN brand) in each country that MTN is operational during the next three years. Almost halfway through the deployment, we are very much on track to meet all of the deployment milestones.

This achievement is made possible because of the flexibility of the platform, the standardization of our deployment methodology and the in-depth experience that we have in deploying solutions like these in many other countries.

PL: Will you participate on the newly announced initiative of Western Union for remittance program with mobile?

HV: We were the first supplier that participated on the program and will be an active participant. We welcome other suppliers also announcing their participation as we believe that an open integration and collaboration between vendors will benefit the industry as a whole. It is our opinion that the initiatives of Western Union should be applauded.

PL: The mobile banking and payment battle is probably concentrated in Africa for the moment. We see every day an impressive growing number of mobile payment initiatives in almost all African countries. Do you believe those have what you call a high rate of "announcement index" or do you believe we will assist to a big change in the coming months with actual delivery?

HV: We have a high rate of announcement index in the industry yes. More people announce deployments, than actually delivering them. Also many deployments are in cooperation with small and unknown companies and I do not believe that this is sustainable. It is the big brands (MTN, Orange, Vodafone, Standard Bank etc.) that will dictate the pace of penetration in Africa. Few suppliers are successfully deploying solutions to the big brands in Africa as many of the big brands (Vodafone, Zain etc.) have developed in-house solutions. We have now worked in many countries in Africa and have a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these countries. I am doubtful of the likelihood of success of some of the solution providers (from the US and Europe) planning to offer their solutions in Africa.

PL: You said recently: "Mobile Money community is maturing. The fierce competitive spirit between different companies in the past has been replaced with a drive for open interfaces and creating networks of benefits for all connected parties". Do you believe that this will be a reality in the near future?

HV: Yes, the only way that we will win is if we work together to increase the market rather than using dubious tactics to fight over a smaller market.

PL: In Europe, while people are used to pay with plenty of payment methods, we see some NFC projects on a pilot stage, but most of the initiatives are focused on remote payments for small amount and mobile banking solutions linked to standard bank account. What’s your perception of the mobile payment market in the mature countries?

HV: The value proposition of mobile payments in mature markets is not clear to me. While it is interesting to offer these types of solutions in first world countries, I have difficulty in figuring out a sustainable business model. Experience has taught me that it is folly to build a business on an assumption that is not sustainable. I also believe that, specifically in Europe, one is constrained by a too complex regulatory environment and an over-emphasis on standards. This is a very difficult environment to make headway.

PL: Do you have plans to launch something in Europe in the future? With which application would you do this, for example?

Having said this, we at Fundamo, with our vast experience in the deployment of mobile payment solutions and the patent portfolio that we have built up over ten years, have some product concepts and expertise that are specifically applicable in first world markets. I know that our experience in emerging markets have prepared us to launch winning products in Europe too. We are currently evaluating some of the best offers and will possibly be making some announcements before the end of the year. I would not like to say anything more at this stage, but you could expect something in the fourth quarter.

PL: As a conclusion. Every day, we observe new ventures, new startups emerging in this worldwide industry. Which advise can you provide to a mobile payment entrepreneur?

HV: Find something else to do. It is an extremely complex and tough environment and it is very difficult to make money. Deploying robust, production ready systems always take longer and cost more to get to market. If you still want to do it, then you should consider finding a niche application and develop a strategy to partner with the leading suppliers.

PL: Thank you again Hannes

HV: Thanks

Mobile Payments Talk with Carol Realini, CEO of Obopay

Première d'une longue série sur ce blog, je suis très heureux de vous présenter en exclusivité une interview de Carol Realini sur le paiement par mobile que j'ai pu réaliser lors d'une rencontre récente.

PL: Carol, I'm very glad to meet you here in Paris and thank you for the time you are spending to answer the questions for the French speaking community. Due to several fund raising and more recently with the Nokia deal, Obopay is starting to be very well known in the industry. How are you capitalizing on this? Is the market mature enough for that?

CR: Thank you Philippe, it is great to meet you as well. And yes, we are excited about the traction and recognition Obopay is getting in the industry. This is a very exciting time for mobile payments and the potential impact on the lives of millions of people around the world is what inspired me to start Obopay. Of course having the support of a company like Nokia only validates our proposition and the potential for this market. I believe the mobile phone has become so entrenched in our lives that to use it as a way to pay, transfer or purchase things is a natural next step.

PL: Can we envision an Obopay application on all Nokia devices in the near future?

CR: Of course we work closely with Nokia, and rest assured Philippe that as soon as we have updates on that relationship we will share them.

PL: Do you plan to go beyond the mobile device, for example on Twitter or Facebook ?

CR: We are already there; we have been offering what we call widgets. These widgets can easily be downloaded to a number of social media applications such Facebook and MySpace so users can collect, receive payments, gifts etc. from friends.

PL: You closed a deal with MasterCard, which enables MasterCard holders to send funds to any cardholder using their mobile. Can we imagine doing the same with AMEX or Visa?

CR: MasterCard has clearly seen the potential in mobile payments and we have been working closely with them to power their MoneySend application (card–to-card money transfer). This is powerful because so many consumers and businesses have their cards, which brings new capabilities and mobile access to all these cards. American Express and Visa should want to provide their customers the same capability.

PL: This question is for all African readers of this blog. Following what's happening in Kenya, we see everyday an impressive growing number of mobile payment initiatives in almost all African countries. Mobile operators are extremely aggressive and the race has really started. Which kind of partnerships could Obopay have to move rapidly on this unbanked market?

CR: What is happening in emerging markets such as Kenya is a testament to the potential for this market. Obopay is live in India and we are working to expand our services in other developing markets. We are working closely with partners to ensure the go-to-market approach is scalable, which is critical for the market to really take off.

PL: Do you agree on what Hannes van Rensburg recently said: "Mobile Money community is maturing. The fierce competitive spirit between different companies in the past has been replaced with a drive for open interfaces and creating networks of benefits for all connected parties."

CR: I agree with Mr. van Rensburg that it is important that all participants’ parties benefit from this market. Without the involvement of financial services institutions, operators and handset manufacturers and even regulators, this market won’t reach its true potential.

PL: Western Union launched officially recently in Barcelona its new remittance program for mobile transfer, could it be interesting for you to participate?

CR: The remittance market is potentially huge for the mobile money community. Our focus at this time is to build the service in the markets in which we currently operate and expand into new markets; of course remittance is something we are constantly looking at as part of that expansion.

PL: In France, like in many developed countries, we have plenty of payment solutions like checks, cards, internet, etc. What added value can mobile payment services provide in general, and in particular, how can Obopay bring something really new? Which kind of application could be useful for people?

CR: Philippe, you bring up a good point, but there are a few things Obopay provides that all the options you listed don’t. We are about applications that bring more convenience, more security, and more tools for managing a limited budget. Obopay will bring this and more to markets like France.

PL: Do you have plans to launch Obopay in Europe in the near future?

CR: Europe is one of the markets we are looking at, and as soon as we are ready to introduce new service offerings we will let you know.

PL: As a conclusion. Every day, we observe new ventures, new startups emerging in this worldwide industry. Which advise can you provide to a mobile payment entrepreneur?

CR: The mobile payment industry is more complex than many people on the outside may realize. When you think about the simplicity of sending a text message and instantly getting that money to your loved ones, is hard to imagine the regulatory, technology, security, partner issues that come with it. My recommendation would be to build a strong partner network, be clear as to the role you want to play in the industry and be patient, very patient.

PL: Thank you again Carol

CR: Thank you Philippe

　

Des places offertes pour Mobile Payment 2009

Le salon "Mobile Payment 2009" arrive à grand pas (les 17 et 18 juin prochains porte de Versailles à Paris).

Au programme, voici les conférences et les débats prévus :

17 Juin 2009

1 - Le futur des services sans contact (Forum SMSC)

2 - Vue analytique du paiement mobile en Europe

3 - La vraie innovation NFC c'est le transfert P2P

4 - Le transfert d'argent par mobile en pleine croissance

5 - Services mobiles pour les transports et collectivités locales

6 - L'expansion rapide de la banque mobile

18 juin 2009

7 - Distribution : comment se préparer au paiement mobile ?

8 - Le role du mobile pour garantir la sécurité des transactions sur Internet

9 - Perspectives pour les populations non bancarisées en Afrique

10 - Securité et authentification des transactions

11 - Banques sans agence en Afrique : le Mobile, quelles opportunités pour les pays en développement ?

12 - Mobile P2P, du paiement au prêt entre particuliers

13 - mCommerce

14 - Du m-Commerce au Marketing Mobile

15 - Perspectives du digital content billing

16 - Etat des lieux et perspectives de Payez Mobile(à confirmer)

Certaines conférences sont en accès libre et d'autres sont payantes. Voici le programme complet.

Les 3 fondateurs de l'évènement, le paiement mobile, PPX Conseil et Infopromotions, ont le plaisir de vous offrir quelques Pass complets pour une ou deux journées. Ceci s'adressera aux plus rapides d'entre vous qui auront trouvé le nom de la personne (très connue) qui animera la table ronde n°12. Pour cela il suffit de m'envoyer un mail avec le nom de la personne en question, vos coordonnées complètes, ainsi que les dates souhaitées, à philippe [at] mobilepayment.fr. Bonne chance !

L'agenda de Mobile Payment 09 est publié

 L'agenda de Mobile Payment 09 que vous attendiez est publié. Pour la première fois sur la scène internationale, un évènement généraliste autour des services transactionnels par mobile va réunir un nombre d'acteurs très impressionnant de ce microcosme sur des thématiques, tables rondes et conférences aussi variées que complémentaires. Vous pouvez consulter l'agenda sur le site à l'adresse suivante : http://www.mobilepaymentexpo.com/lang-en/agenda.html

La liste des débats et conférences :

NFC, P2P, Mobile Money Transfers, Populations non bancarisées en Afrique, P2P lending, Mobile banking, Parking, Transport et ticketing, Marketing mobile, M-commerce, Grande distribution, Panorama européen, Contenus numériques, etc.

Sans rentrer dans tous les détails beaucoup d'entreprises et de speaker sont attendus, voici la liste provisoire des 55 acteurs qui témoigneront :

AirTag, Allopass, Atos Worldline, Babyloan, BNP Paribas, Caisse d’Epargne, CellFish, Cepheid Consulting, Connecthings, Crédit Mutuel, Crédit Mutuel Arkea, Creova, Deveryware, Digitick, EADS, EGS media, EservGlobal, Famoco, Flouss, Forum SMSC, Friendsclear, Fundamo, Gemalto, Giesecke & Devrient, Gras Savoye, GS1, HighCo 3.0, IBM Trusted Identity, Ingenico, Inside Contactless, Laser-Symag, LemonWay, Leroy-Merlin, Localeo, Maatcard, Maroc Telecom, Mercury technologies, MGI OnlyMee, Netsize, NFC Forum, Octopus Micro Finance, Orange, Orange money, Paypal, PMX Conseil, Prosodie, StimOnLine, Tagattitude, Toro, Unipay Intelligence, Veolia Transport, Verrus Paybyphone Parking, VISA International, Western Union, YellowPepper

N'oubliez pas de vous inscrire rapidement en allant sur le site ici

Il n'est pas non plus trop tard pour participer, sponsoriser ou animer une conférence ... alors n'hésitez pas à contacter Philippe Poux : contact@mobilepaymentexpo.com

MTN choisit Fundamo sur l'Afrique

L'opérateur mobile leader sur le continent africain vient de choisir la technologie Fundamo pour gérer ses services de m-wallet "MTN Mobile Money" dans plus de 21 pays d'Afrique. L'objectif va toujours vers la bancarisation des populations africaines à travers le mobile.

Cet accord commercial de Fundamo porterait sur 9,7M d'US$, montant énorme dans le monde naissant du Mobile Payment. source: intomobile.com 

Monitise partners with Tanzanian E-Fulusi Africa

L'anglais Monitise s'associe avec le porte monnaie électronique E-Fulusi Africa pour lancer des services de m-banking en Afrique de l'Est. L'objectif est de bancariser les populations avec comme cible les pays suivants Burundi, RDC, Ethiopie, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzanie et Zambie. Monitise a récemment levé 1,5 million USD pour ce projet africain. source: the paypers

How to get the unbanked banked

Je suis convaincu depuis longtemps que le mobile permettra à des millions d'africains d'être bancarisé, ce chercheur nous l'explique avec des mots simples. source:ict4d.at

PlaNet Finance va proposer le mobile banking aux non bancarisés

PlaNet Finance vient de recevoir une subvention de 1,7 million de dollars de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates pour soutenir son volet de « mobile banking ». Ce projet, co-développé avec Orange, a pour objectif de faciliter l’accès des clients de microfinance aux services bancaires grâce aux téléphones portables.

Le constat est toujours le même : un milliard de personnes ont un compte en banque, mais trois milliards ont un téléphone portable. Le téléphone permet ainsi aux populations rurales et isolées d’accéder aux services financiers, en offrant à ces populations à faible revenu et dont l’accès à ces services est jusqu’ici limité la possibilité d’épargner, de payer leurs factures, ou encore d’obtenir un microcrédit. Ceci permet de faciliter ainsi l’accès à des milliers de micro-entrepreneurs vivant dans des endroits isolés et ne pouvant se permettre de se déplacer jusqu’aux banques ou institutions de microfinance les plus proches.

Le financement de la Fondation Bill & Melinda Gates vient appuyer les efforts de PlaNet Finance pour s’assurer que le développement de la téléphonie mobile intègre les services financiers pour les plus pauvres. « Le mobile banking est une activité en plein essor », a déclaré Jacques Attali, Président de PlaNet Finance, « En utilisant les technologies dont disposent déjà les populations les plus pauvres, nous pouvons proposer des solutions bancaires immédiates et durables»

Prévu pour être testé tout d'abord au Sénégal, trois autres pays sont également ciblés : la Jordanie, l’Egypte et la Côte d’Ivoire. Ce service fait suite à l'annonce récente d'Orange de propose ce genre de services en Côtes d'Ivoire avec Orange Money et se fait écho des différentes initiatives identiques (le paiement mobile) qui fleurissent actuellement. Communiqué