The new research, Mobile Financial Services in Emerging Markets: Monetisation Models & Market Forecasts 2019-2024, forecasts that the total number of users accessing MFS in Latin America will grow 20% on average annually over the next five years. This is predicted to grow twice as fast as saturated markets such as Africa & Middle East. In response, it urged MFS vendors to leverage existing experience to launch services in this underserved market.

It also forecasts that the number of MFS users in all emerging markets will reach 1.2 billion by 2024; growing from 890 million in 2019. Africa & Middle East will account for over 600 million users alone by 2024; owing to the high reliance on mobile devices for banking services.

The research found that CICO (Cash In, Cash Out) transactions will be the largest driver of growth for the MFS market; exceeding a value of $590 billion by 2024. CICO allows users to access traditional banking services, such as deposits and withdrawals, via mobile devices.

The report urged MFS providers to expand their agent networks to rapidly grow customer bases. It also forecasts that fostering confidence amongst users for CICO transactions will lead to uptake of more comprehensive MFS products, such as microloans and microinsurance, in the future.

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