By Oystein Bergmann, Bureau Chief, Scandinavia

Ericsson , in collaboration with Juniper Research, unveils the report “What Will Drive Mobile Financial Services’ Growth?”, providing profound insights into the dynamics of Mobile Financial Services (MFS) and transformative opportunities for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) globally.

The report consolidates insights from 46 senior decision-makers from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) across 35 countries and projects a paradigm shift with an expected 40 per cent user adoption rate and an 80 per cent growth in transaction value over the next five years. This signals a substantial transformation, positioning MFS as a key element in the shift among Telcos to become digital service providers, foreseeing an impressive 45% growth specifically in their MFS revenue.

Key accelerators identified in the report include customer incentives, extensive last-mile networks, and the surge in COVID-19 digital payments. These factors propel MFS success and enable broader financial inclusion and access. However, regulatory challenges, enduring cash preferences, and security concerns pose significant obstacles, demanding strategic navigation from industry stakeholders.

A pivotal aspect highlighted in the report is the evolution of service portfolios towards advanced offerings like micro-finance and investments. This shift not only reshapes revenue models but enhances user experiences, marking a turning point in the industry’s trajectory. MFS providers are strategically pivoting towards these advanced services, fostering innovation and driving economic empowerment across diverse demographics.

Head of Mobile Financial Services at Ericsson, Michael Wallis-Brown emphasizes, “Mobile Financial Services are transformative for Telcos, positioning them as digital innovators and unlocking invaluable new revenue streams. Integrating MFS enables Telcos to anticipate consumer demands, adapt to market trends, and stay competitive.”

VP of Fintech Market Research at Juniper Research Nick Maynard commented “What is striking is how massive the changes coming for mobile financial services are. MNOs we surveyed are expecting advanced services to be transformative, both for their service portfolios and for their revenue, and we expect this to have an enormous impact over the next five years”.