Mobile Payment Magazine

Report: Mobile Wallets in the US – Review and Analysis

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Mobile Wallets US ReportA new report entitled Mobile Wallets: The U.S. Landscape by Mercator Advisory Group identifies U.S. mobile wallets by category and technology.

The physical wallet might someday go the way of the checkbook, used by few and no longer a necessity. Growing consumer use of smartphones is creating a market for mobile wallets capable of serving many of the same purposes physical wallets served for centuries but now are able to take advantage of a plethora of new functions made possible in an increasingly digital marketplace. [Read more…]

Report: Delineating the Mobile Value Chain – A Holistic View of Mobile Payment

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As excitement surrounding mobile payments develops, most of the focus has been placed on the wallet apps such as Google Wallet and Isis jockeying for position. However, the success of a mobile payments system will depend on far more than which piece of software will be used on the most devices. A fully functional system will require the integration of a number of different factors, including POS terminals, processing, the devices themselves, and more. [Read more…]

Consumer Adoption of Mobile Banking Jumps Nearly 60% in 2011

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After two years of flat growth, consumer mobile banking jumped from 19% to 30% in 2011, corresponding to a rise in Financial Institutions’ offering mobile banking and an increase in consumer smartphone ownership, according to Javelin Strategy and Research. The triple play–mobile banking via SMS text, mobile browser, and downloadable apps–is emerging as the new norm, with four out of five vendors now offering it. However, security remains a top concern, as almost half of consumers cite fear of security as the main reason they do not use mobile banking.

“Mobile banking, once considered a ‘nice-to-have’, is now a ‘must-have’ for Financial Institutions who want to stay competitive and meet growing consumer demand for this channel,” notes Mary Monahan, Executive Vice President and Research Director, Mobile, at Javelin. “Our research provides key insights into how industry trends will shape mobile banking and what steps FIs and vendors need to take to stay ahead of these changes.”

Vendors seeking market leadership will also need a thorough understanding of how to incorporate these trends into the development of their solutions. For example, the mobile banking industry is consolidating, with players bringing mobile technologies in-house. Tablet adoption by consumers is growing at a tremendous rate, and FIs and vendors will need to provide access to mobile banking specifically designed for tablet users. Javelin also identified those operating systems that vendors will need to support, as well as the mobile banking features that consumers want.

“The results are in,” said James Van Dyke, President, Javelin. “Fiserv, FIS and Sybase received the highest scores. Fiserv won “Best in Class”, while mFoundry won “Path to Mobility”. With all these industry changes, it will be interesting to see how vendors fare in next year’s report.”

The findings were published in Javelin Strategy & Research’s latest research report — “2011 — 2012 Mobile Banking Vendor Scorecard: Mobile Banking Has Moved from a “Nice-to-Have” to a “Must-Have” Channel” — analyzes best practices and top trends in this rapidly shifting industry and reveals the best mobile banking solutions available today. Javelin scored the offerings of 15 major vendors, using data from surveys conducted with more than 10,000 consumers and executive interviews with six financial institutions (FI). The report provides strategic guidance to FIs for development of their mobile banking strategies and selection of vendors and key insights on critical features and functionality for vendors when designing the next versions of their solutions.

Javelin highlights a number of trends which will significantly affect mobile banking for FIs, vendors, and consumers.

Selected Key Report Findings — 2011 — 2012 Mobile Banking Vendor Scorecard

  • In-depth individual profiles and detailed comparisons of 15 mobile banking vendors
  • The operating systems vendors will need to support and why
  • How tablets will alter mobile banking forever

Source: Business Wire

Research Report: 2011 Contactless Near Field Communication (NFC) Mobile Payments

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Javelin Strategy and Research has release a new report entitled “2011 Contactless Near Field Communication (NFC) Mobile Payments: Framing Mobile Payments on the Foundation of Mobile Banking.”

Mobile payments have been the source of much excitement for over half a decade, with the latest focus being on near field communication (NFC) payments, which uses short-range wireless technologies to allow a consumer to tap or wave a supporting mobile phone to complete an in-store payment.

Late 2010 experienced a flurry of NFC-related mobile payments announcements, detailing pilot initiatives from numerous financial institutions (FIs), payment networks, mobile phone carriers, technology giants, and third-party developers.

Despite this activity, mobile contactless/NFC is a payment option that is battling limited availability of contactless-ready merchant terminals and mobile technology, as well as low consumer demand. In order to ensure the greatest opportunity for success, FIs should integrate NFC mobile payments with their existing mobile banking platform. Javelin data shows that mobile bankers are the prime financial demographic to jumpstart mobile payments, and FIs should promote the service accordingly.

Primary Questions

  • What is the current state of the contactless payment market, and how has it changed from recent years?
  • What are the key drivers preventing consumer adoption of contactless payments?
  • How should FIs integrate mobile contactless pilots within their existing financial infrastructure, and who should the target demographic be?
  • What are some of the current NFC programs in market today?
  • What is the demographic makeup of today’s contactless payment population, and how can that information be utilized to boost mobile NFC adoption?
  • How can FIs establish the value proposition of NFC among merchants, in an effort to increase merchant acceptance of the service?

Report Index

  • Overview
  • Primary Questions
  • Methodology
  • Executive Summary
  • The State of U.S. Contactless and Mobile Commerce
  • The Consumer Roadmap to Mobile Payments
  • Mobile Banking as the Springboard for Mobile Contactless Payments
  • Demographic Trends – Who Are the Likely Mobile Contactless Users of Today?
  • Mobile Contactless Payments: The Proverbial Chicken and the Egg Dilemma
  • Appendix
  • Related Research
  • Companies Mentioned

Table of Figures

Figure 1: Mobile Payments Ecosystem
Figure 2: Percent of Consumers Who Indicate That They Are Open to Using a Contactless-Enabled Card or Device, 2007-2010
Figure 3: Key Drivers Preventing Contactless Adoption, by All Consumers
Figure 4: Consumer Adoption Roadmap to Mobile Payments
Figure 5: Likelihood of Storing Credit or Debit Card Information on Mobile Phone to Complete a Mobile Payment, by Mobile Bankers and All Consumers
Figure 6: Factors That Drive Contactless Use, by Mobile Bankers and All Likely or Current Contactless Users
Figure 7: Last Time Made Purchase Using Mobile Device, by Mobile Bankers and All Mobile Phone Owners
Figure 8: Frequency of Mobile Purchasing in the Past Month, by Mobile Bankers and All Mobile Phone Owners
Figure 9: Average Mobile Purchase Amount, by Mobile Bankers and All Mobile Phone Owners
Figure 10: Desirability of Mobile Phone Functionality, by Frequent Mobile Bankers, Mobile Bankers (Past 90 Days), and All Mobile Phone Users
Figure 11: Likelihood of Using Mobile Contactless, by Gender, Generation, and All Consumers
Figure 12: Likelihood of Using Mobile Contactless, by Ethnicity and All Consumers
Figure 13: Likelihood of Using Mobile Contactless, by Smartphone Owners, Standard Mobile Phone Owners, and All Consumers
Figure 14: Likelihood of Responding to Mobile Marketing Coupons or Promotions, by All Mobile Contactless Users and All Mobile Phone Owners
Figure 15: Percent of Consumers Who Have Used Particular Contactless Payment Devices, 2009-2010
Figure 16: Likelihood of Using a Contactless-Enabled Card or Device, by Mobile Bankers and All Consumers
Figure 17: Average Times Per Month Consumers Use a Particular Payment Option Per Month for In-Store Purchases
Figure 18: Likelihood of Using Mobile Contactless, by Income and All Consumers
Figure 19: Likelihood of Using Mobile Contactless, by iPhone Owners, BlackBerry Owners, and Android Owners

More information: 2011 Contactless Near Field Communication (NFC) Mobile Payments

Mobile Banking and Payments Report: The Role of the Mobile Phone as a Banking Device

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With over 2 billion users worldwide, mobile phone usage penetrates every core demographic of the world’s population. Research and Markets has announced the release of a new report entitled “ Mobile Banking and Payments.” The report assesses the role of the mobile phone as a banking device as well as a payment function. The report provides readers with the ability to:

  • Assess the prospects for mobile banking and payments
  • Learn how additional revenue can be raised through value added services
  • Review the strategic and operational issues that face the mobile banking sector
  • Study the profiles of leading banks within the mobile banking arena

After abandoning initial roll-outs a few years ago following poor consumer take up, banks worldwide are now re-entering the market. Mobile banking is an opportunity and a threat to established retail financial players. The first section of this report provides the business case for successful mobile banking. It presents the short-term solutions and the longer-term strategy needed to create a successful program.

Key Points Addressed in This Report:

  • The mobile banking phenomenon explained.
  • Trends among emerging and developed markets.
  • Mobile banking and mobile payments defined.
  • Reasons for low adoption by banking customers.
  • Importance of mobile as a marketing tool and as a customer retention strategy.
  • Negotiating the relationship between banks and mobile carriers.

Case Studies and Examples Include:

  • Bank of America
  • Blaze
  • Charles Schwab
  • Citi
  • ClairMail
  • Co-op Bank
  • Elite mBanking
  • Facebook
  • Fi-Mobile
  • First National Bank
  • iTunes
  • Mfoundry
  • Microsoft
  • Mshift
  • MTN bank
  • Nokia
  • Paypal
  • Regalo Card
  • St George Mobile Banking
  • Sun mBanking
  • Twitter
  • Vancity CU
  • Visa
  • Wells Fargo
  • Wizzit bank

Key Topics Covered:

  • Business case for mobile banking
  • Business case for mobile banking
  • Generate revenue through value added services
  • Enhance other delivery channels
  • Marketing via the mobile channel
  • Banking the unbanked
  • Strategic and operational issues
  • Choosing the technology platform
  • Security considerations
  • Usability considerations
  • Marketing considerations
  • Market profiles
  • USA
  • South Africa
  • Key emerging markets

More information: Research and Markets – “Mobile Banking and Payments Report”

 

Source: Business Wire

Columbia Credit Union Deploys mFoundry Platform for Mobile Banking

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mFoundry today announced Columbia Credit Union (CU), based in Vancouver, Washington, is the latest credit union to deploy mBanking, mFoundry’s SaaS-based mobile banking platform.

The new Columbia CU Mobile offering leverages mFoundry’s multi-mode mobile banking solution, providing Columbia Credit Union members with mobile Web, mobile apps and text banking options. Columbia CU’s mobile banking applications include versions for Apple iPhone, Google Android and RIM BlackBerry devices.

“With Columbia CU Mobile, we wanted to provide another touch point for our members, making it easier for them to do business with us,” said Steve Kenny, CEO, Columbia Credit Union. “Our members now have the convenience of being able to access their accounts 24/7 through the mobile mode they find most compelling.”

Columbia CU Mobile lets members check their account balances and transaction history, transfer funds, pay bills and locate branches and ATMs, all from their mobile device.

“When we looked for a mobile banking partner that could help us serve our members better, we wanted a provider that could credibly deliver all three modes – Web, apps and SMS – but also had experience working with our other technology partners,” said Jen Shefner, Assistant Vice President, E-Commerce, and the mobile banking project lead for Columbia Credit Union. “We selected mFoundry for its long history of success working with credit unions and its innovative platform, which will allow Columbia CU to add new technologies in the future.”

“Columbia CU is one of the most innovative credit unions in the U.S.,” said Drew Sievers, CEO of mFoundry. “They have a strong commitment to staying ahead of the technology curve to provide services to enhance the lives of their members, both in terms of convenience and improved management of their finances on the go. We look forward to helping them continue to enhance the mobile banking experience for their members with features like mobile deposit or mobile alerts.”

mFoundry has extensive experience serving credit unions with mobile banking solutions, counting 425 financial institutions as clients including more than 150 credit unions. Through its direct relationships with credit unions, and its strategic partnerships with organizations like CO-OP Financial Services, Open Solutions, and COCC, mFoundry has made a firm commitment to supporting the unique needs that credit union members have for mobile banking solutions.

“After one week, 6.6% of our online banking users had already registered, and adoption continues to grow as word gets out,” added Shefner “That’s a phenomenal response considering our six month goal of 8%. Since we anticipated a strong demand, it was imperative to quickly provide a top-notch solution. mFoundry helped us implement in approximately four months.”

Source: PRNewswire

mFoundry Signs Up 400+ Financial Institutions for mBanking Solution

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mFoundry, a provider of SaaS-based mobile banking and payment solutions, today announced more than 400 U.S. financial institutions have selected mBanking, the company’s flagship mobile banking and payments solution.

“The pace of mobile banking adoption of mFoundry’s mobile banking solution is incredible,” said mFoundry CEO & Co-Founder Drew Sievers. “We’re currently adding about one new financial institution per day to our platform through our direct and channel relationships. While we’re seeing the strongest demand in our company’s history, there’s no question the true demand is being driven by the consumer who has made it clear they expect their financial institution to offer a sophisticated mobile access point.”

The demand for mobile solutions is increasing as smartphone penetration in the market accelerates and the ROI and revenue-generating opportunities for banks and credit unions become clear. While baseline functionality is important for any mobile solution, it’s the addition of new mobile-specific features like Mobile Deposit, which mFoundry recently launched with PNC Bank and the CO-OP Financial Services, that continue to increase the value of mobility to banks and consumers alike.

“At this point, we’re seeing user adoption increase by more than 10 percent each month,” added Sievers. “This means annual end-user growth in excess of 200 percent. Mobile banking and payments technology has moved from niche to mainstream in a heartbeat, and I see no sign of the pace slowing anytime soon.”

With more than 5 million users interacting with mFoundry mobile banking technology, mFoundry believes there is a clear opportunity to drive enhanced customer loyalty and increased revenue opportunities for their clients. With the fastest-growing SaaS solution in the market, mFoundry expects to capitalize on its strong position with new, value-added features for banks and credit unions.

“Companies with scale in both financial institution signings and end-user adoption are in an excellent position to grow healthy, long-lived businesses,” said Bob Egan, Managing Director, Chief Analyst, Sepharim Group. “With their hosted solutions, SaaS-based providers in particular are well suited to rapidly add new compelling features to their solutions.”

About mFoundry

mFoundry is most popular mobile banking solution in the U.S., currently the choice of more than 400 banks and credit unions nationwide. mFoundry’s mBanking product is the leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) based mobile banking solution in the market today.

mFoundry’s mobile banking customers include leading financial institutions, including Bank of America, Central Bancompany, PNC Bank, Zions Bank, Verity Credit Union and Nassau Financial. mFoundry also has one of the most extensive partner networks of all mobile banking vendors, including FIS, Open Solutions, PSCU, NCR, CO-OP and FirstData,.

In addition to its mobile banking experience, mFoundry has established itself as a leader in mobile payments, through its work with retailers like Starbucks Coffee Company. mFoundry developed and manages Starbucks Card Mobile program, the most successful mobile payments program to date, currently used in more than 6,800 stores nationwide.

mFoundry was founded in 2004 by Drew Sievers and Rodney Aiglstorfer. The company is headquartered in Larkspur, California, with additional offices in downtown San Francisco.

375 Million+ Mobile Payment Users by 2015, Says Report

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Mobile payments are an emerging opportunity to make payment from or with a mobile handset. While a success in certain countries and with fringe audiences already, mobile payments have not yet achieved success on a global scale. However, it is anticipated that this will begin to change in 2011 as the number of mobile payment users starts a significant run up from 116 million to over 375 million in 2015, according to a recent research report from In-Stat.

“There appears to be consumer demand for mobile payments,” says Amy Cravens, Market Analyst. “Consumers do recognize pain points with current payment systems and indicate support for a cleaner, easier alternative. If mobile operators are able to push beyond the infrastructural challenges and introduce these services to the mass market, the transactional value of the mobile payments market is positioned to grow nearly tenfold over the next several years.”

Recent research findings identify the market’s preparedness including:

  • Significant smartphone penetration.
  • Consumer comfort level with purchasing goods with their phone through existing channels.
  • A desire among mobile operators to develop opportunities to generate revenue from mobile based commerce.
  • Infrastructural developments supporting contactless payments, including NFC-enabled mobile phones and Point of Sale (POS) terminals.

The In-Stat report, entitled “Mobile Payments: Is the Market Ready?” examines the mobile payment market structure, outlining the various elements in this multifaceted market. Discussion will include mobile payment types as well as the relationships comprised in this complex ecosystem.

The report also includes:

  • Market player profiles including: Bling Nation, Boku, Clairmail, Isis, mFoundry, and Obopay
  • Forecasts for the mobile payments market through 2015
  • Forecasts of anticipated usage and transaction volume
  • Detailed examination of the NFC market
  • All forecasts extend through 2015 and are segmented by geographic regions

Source: MarketWire

Hottest Mobile Payment Startups

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Here’s a preliminary list of the hottest mobile payment startups.  Feel free to add to the conversation:

Carrier Billing

Purchase in App (not billed via carrier)

  • Apple (iTunes)

Contactless / Mobile Contactless:

P2P Transfer

Mobile Checkout

China

  • UMPay
  • SmartPay
  • LianLian

India

  • Paymate

Philippines

  • Globe GCASH

Japan

  • Mobile Suica
  • Edy

Reference: GusFundler

First Data mBanking Solution Adopted by Texas Banks

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American Bank of Texas, Marble Falls, Texas, and Waggoner National Bank, Vernon, Texas, have launched First Data’s Mobile Manager – mBanking solution. The offering is now available to their Internet banking customers following a successful internal pilot period. First Data Corporation is a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing.

With the First Data Mobile Manager – mBanking solution, financial institutions can rapidly implement mobile banking with robust functionality. This solution integrates seamlessly with First Data’s FundsXpress online banking platform, enabling a consistent experience with the same capabilities as online banking on a mobile device, and only one set of logon credentials to manage.

First Data offers the Mobile Manager – mBanking solution as a fully hosted and integrated service. This results in substantially lower costs for a financial institution than developing a solution in-house. Since launching Mobile Manager – mBanking at the beginning of 2011, First Data has signed 60 financial institutions for the service.

“After piloting this solution internally, we saw firsthand that it had the capabilities our customers are looking for,” said Mark Few, executive vice president, American Bank of Texas. “The implementation was painless – especially considering the complexity of the product – but integration is only the first step. We also feel confident that, because we have chosen First Data for our mobile solution, we will be able to keep pace as the mobile marketplace evolves.”

First Data‘s Mobile Manager – mBanking product enables financial institutions to offer all three modes of mobile banking: SMS, mobile web, and downloadable applications, including a uniquely branded iPhone app available through the App Store online store. First Data plans to roll out the same capabilities for Android phones, with availability in the Android Market during the first half of 2011.

The ability to offer all three modes is key for financial institutions that wish to position themselves for success as mobile banking providers. According to the 2010 Mobile Banking and Smartphone Forecast  from Javelin Strategy & Research, consumers who bank with their mobile phones do so using all three methods, yet fewer than half of the financial institutions researched by Javelin offered all three modes in 2010.

“Partnering with First Data has expanded mFoundry’s reach and made our award-winning mobile banking product accessible to an even larger base of customers,” said Drew Sievers, CEO and co-founder, mFoundry. “This relationship results in a powerful solution that offers robust mobile capabilities without the technological hurdles of implementing them – enabling financial institutions that have more limited development resources to meet the challenge of the marketplace.”

First Data’s Mobile Manager service is part of a comprehensive mobile commerce suite that includes contactless cards solutions and a Trusted Service Manager (TSM) platform.

“Mobile banking is an important stepping stone on the path to full mobile commerce,” said Dom Morea, First Data division manager of Mobile Commerce Solutions. “This powerful combination of technology from mFoundry and First Data, along with our high level of client support, creates a scalable solution that enables our clients of all sizes and charters to join in this evolution.”
Source: First Data