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Analysis: How Can Digital Financial Services Help a World Coping With COVID-19?
The global economy will likely contract by over 5 percent in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19, according to the recently released Global Economic Prospects. The deepest global recession in eight decades is sending hundreds of millions into poverty, and recovery appears to be far off. Still, the crisis has encouraged incentives for economic transformation and adoption of digital business models, including increased use of digital financial services (DFS).
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
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South African Telecom Operator Telkom Moves into Financial Services
South Africa’s telecom operator Telkom has branched into the competitive space of financial services by launching a life insurance business that it said will initially sell funeral insurance.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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The Future of Microfinance: An Interview With Ira W. Lieberman
Though its profile is somewhat lower than in its heyday, microfinance remains a relevant player in the development sector, supporting some 200 million people worldwide. A new book, “The Future of Microfinance,” contemplates the industry's tumultuous evolution and future development. NextBillion spoke with Ira W. Lieberman, a co-editor of the book, to discuss its thought-provoking insights.
- Categories
- Finance
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Analysis: Africa’s Mobile Banking Will Be Redefined by Social Media
The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a race among African Banks to become fully digital as consumers increasingly demand more personalised service across multiple channels.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- digital finance, fintech
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Venio Launches ‘Nano-Credit’ Lending App to Boost Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets
‘Nano-credit’ mobile application company Venio has begun offering credit facilities for the unbanked consumers in the Philippines.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- South Asia
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Fintech Startup Remitly Raises $85M
Fintech startup Remitly has raised $85 million in a new round of funding, bumping its valuation up to $1.5 billion.
- Categories
- Finance
- Tags
- cash transfers, fintech, remittances, startups
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UK Government Aims Fintech Industry at Africa
UK government is building fintech relationships with developing countries, beginning with a pilot programme in Africa.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Why Don’t Small Retailers Adopt E-Payments?: New Research Suggests the Reasons Behind Merchant Aversion – And Solutions for Stimulating Customer Demand
Mexico's 2.1 million 'tienditas' (small shops) drive most of the country's retail sales – yet 83% of them only accept cash, even though e-payment technology is cheaply accessible. Shreya Kankanhalli at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and Luz Gomez at Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth explore findings from a field study that's testing ways to promote e-payments.
- Categories
- Coronavirus, Finance, Technology
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