New CGAP Paper Explores the Power of Shared Agent Networks

This Focus Note presents an alternative, systemic approach to branchless banking in which there is no need for a bank to have a contractual relationship with any of the retail outlets through which it is absorbing deposits or meeting liquidity needs of its customers. We put forth a vision in which people are able to make small deposits into their bank account through a variety of cash handling outlets right in their neighborhood. With the appropriate mix of technology, business process, market conduct, and consumer protection regulations, trust may not need to be vested in the retail outlet by either depositors or their banks.