Searching: Research & Analysis

Driving Scale and Density of Agent Networks in Perú

Beyond banking, mobile networks also use agents to sell airtime and offer other payments services. In 2005 Perú enacted agent banking rules, and since then a number of players and models have emerged.

Incentives for the Introduction of Agents in Colombia

In August 2006, 309 out of 1,100 municipalities in Colombia did not have the presence of a bank. Today 99% of all municipalities have access to financial services thanks to increased coverage by agents. Incentives offered by Banca de las Oportunidades were essential in expanding this access.

Supervising Nonbank E-Money Issuers

This Brief addresses the supervision of e-money issuing activities of nonbank e-money issuers.

Can Postal Networks Advance Financial Inclusion in the Arab World?

As existing and trusted institutions with large branch networks reaching rural areas, Arab postal networks have the potential to be powerful tools in the fight for greater financial inclusion in the Arab World.

Bank Agents: Risk Management, Mitigation, and Supervision

This Focus Note discusses the activities (and related risks) in which bank agents may engage, management and mitigation of agent-related risks, approaches to licensing and supervision of bank agent businesses, and possible corrective measures supervisors may take.

Branchless Banking in Pakistan: A Laboratory for Innovation

This Brief highlights key challenges and opportunities that are likely to shape the branchless banking market in Pakistan in the near term.

Regulating Banking Agents

This Focus Note reviews global regulation of the use of agents by banks (and where noted, nonbank service providers) and focuses on four questions related to the safe and scalable use of agents.

Agent Management Toolkit

This guide presents practical advice to providers on how to build a viable network of agents, which is a critical component of a branchless banking service.

Banking Through Networks of Retail Agents

Access to financial services—whether in the form of savings, payments, credit, or insurance—is a fundamental tool for managing a family’s well-being and productive capacity.

Extending Financial Services with Banking Agents

This Brief provides a quick look at the growing use of banking agents to extend financial services to low-income and poor people.