MoneyGram has expanded its mobile transfer service to approximately 40,000 agent locations in the US, following its pilot program of offering from select California and Hong Kong agent locations to 40 million Philippines Smart phone users.
MoneyGram partnered with Smart Communications in December 2009 and began the pilot phase of its mobile money transfer services to deliver funds from an agent location direct to any Smart Money account. Mozido, a mobile technology provider, supplies the transaction services to link MoneyGram’s services to Smart mobile phones.
MoneyGram also introduced mobile money transfers send services in Italy last year in partnership with its agent Poste Italiane and Poste Mobile’s exclusive technology. The service provides a mobile interface for consumers to transfer funds from their mobile phone to recipients collecting funds at any MoneyGram agent location.
Moreover, MoneyGram is planning to expand mobile money transfer service into other regions of the world, and the next launch is expected to be in the countries of Africa, the Caribbean and Middle East.
Dan O’Malley, executive vice president for the Americas at MoneyGram, said: “Our entry into mobile money transfers with Smart was well received by our consumers and we are continuing our expansion plans to link Smart Money users with MoneyGram’s agent locations around the world. Filipinos around the world continue to look for opportunities to meet their financial needs.
“Mobile services are especially helpful in developing countries where agent locations are difficult to establish. We have targeted several of these countries for our ongoing expansion in mobile services.”