Bkash Alipay Strategic Alliance for Bangladesh's Growth

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A stylish store checkout counter featuring a floral bouquet and digital payment system.
Credit: pexels.com, A stylish store checkout counter featuring a floral bouquet and digital payment system.

In 2019, Bkash and Alipay formed a strategic alliance to bring digital payments to Bangladesh.

This partnership aimed to enhance financial inclusion in the country by leveraging the strengths of both companies.

The alliance made it possible for Bkash customers to use their mobile wallets to make payments at Alipay's vast network of merchants globally.

As a result, Bangladeshis can now enjoy seamless international transactions, making it easier to shop and travel abroad.

Recommended read: Alipay Blockchain Payments

Strategic Partnership

Ant Financial's investment in bKash marks a significant strategic partnership for both companies.

Ant Financial will acquire a 10% stake in bKash, with the option to subscribe to an additional 10%, as per local media reports citing disclosures from BRAC Bank Ltd.

This partnership brings the best payment technologies built by thousands of engineers from Alipay to bKash, which can assist the latter company with its development goals.

BRAC Bank currently holds a 51% share in bKash, as per Bangladeshi regulations that require mobile financial services companies to be subsidiaries of commercial banks.

Credit: youtube.com, We have a shared vision with bKash: Ant Financial CEO

Ant Financial has been making deals with a number of overseas mobile financial services platforms, including Pakistan's Telenor Microfinance Bank and Indonesia's Emtek.

Ant Financial's experience and technologies can play a role in developing new services for bKash, such as the app that will allow payments through QR codes, which is planned to be launched in the coming weeks.

Acquisition and Investment

Ant Financial is making a significant investment in bKash, Bangladesh's largest mobile fund-transfer provider, acquiring a 10% stake with the option to subscribe to an additional 10%.

This investment is part of Ant Financial's expansion plans, which include a listing that has been rumored to be imminent. Ant Financial has been growing its global reach, making deals with various overseas mobile financial services platforms.

Ant Financial's investment in bKash is expected to bring in new technologies and expertise to the company. The CEO of bKash, Kamal Quadir, believes that Ant Financial's track record in China makes it a fitting partner for bKash, given Bangladesh's large population and rapidly advancing economy.

BRAC Bank currently holds a 51% share in bKash, as required by Bangladeshi regulations. Before Ant Financial's investment, Money in Motion LLC held a 36.5% stake in bKash, International Finance Corp. held 12.5%, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation held preferential shares in the company.

A different take: Check Bkash Balance

Financial Inclusion

Credit: youtube.com, bKash drives Bangladesh's financial inclusion via mobile

At least 70% of Bangladesh's population is still completely unbanked, which is a significant challenge for the country's development.

This is why initiatives like bKash are crucial in bringing the unbanked population into the banking system. bKash has already catalyzed the broader financial services industry to raise its game.

The government is also working to digitalize services, such as Mastercard's efforts to digitalize government subsidies to farmers. This is a positive step towards financial inclusion.

Unbanked

At least 70% of Bangladesh's population remains unbanked, a staggering statistic that highlights the need for financial inclusion.

This is a significant challenge for the country's development, as it prevents many people from accessing basic financial services.

Md Ashadul Islam, senior secretary at the ministry of finance, emphasizes the importance of bringing the unbanked population into the banking system.

The government's dream of a developed nation relies on it, and initiatives like bKash are helping to make this a reality.

Credit: youtube.com, Top 10 Financial Inclusion Initiatives for Underbanked and Unbanked Populations

bKash has already had a significant impact, pushing the broader financial services industry to raise its game.

Mastercard, for example, is working to digitalize government subsidies for farmers.

This is just one example of how technology is being used to improve financial inclusion.

Rapid information and technology bring both challenges and opportunities, but the key is to find the opportunities and provide good services to customers, as Ahmed Jamal, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, points out.

Inclusion

Inclusion is a crucial aspect of financial services, and it's great to see companies like Ant Financial working towards making financial services more accessible to people in emerging markets.

In Bangladesh, Ant Financial is investing in bKash, the country's largest mobile fund-transfer provider, with the goal of expanding its reach to the local population.

Ant Financial's investment in bKash is a significant step towards financial inclusion in Bangladesh, where 160 million people live.

The partnership will allow bKash to leverage Ant Financial's expertise and technology to improve its services and reach more customers.

A mobile phone with OXXO Pay on a laptop used for online shopping.
Credit: pexels.com, A mobile phone with OXXO Pay on a laptop used for online shopping.

Ant Financial's investment in bKash will also enable the company to launch a new app that will allow payments through QR codes, making it easier for people to access financial services.

In other countries, Ant Financial has also made significant investments in mobile financial services platforms, such as Pakistan's Telenor Microfinance Bank and Indonesia's Emtek.

Security and Risk

Bkash and Alipay, two of the most popular mobile payment systems, have made transactions safer and more convenient.

Bkash, for instance, has implemented a robust security system that includes encryption and secure authentication protocols to protect user data.

Alipay, on the other hand, uses a unique QR code scanning system that reduces the risk of unauthorized transactions.

Both Bkash and Alipay have also implemented measures to prevent phishing and other types of cyber attacks.

Users can further enhance their security by enabling two-factor authentication on both platforms.

Bkash has also partnered with local banks to provide users with additional security features, such as account blocking and password reset.

Credit: youtube.com, Alipay Risk & Security Tech Launch 2020

Alipay has a dedicated security team that continuously monitors and updates its systems to prevent potential risks.

Despite their robust security measures, Bkash and Alipay are not immune to risks, such as system downtime and data breaches.

Users can minimize these risks by regularly updating their apps and being cautious when making transactions.

Deeper Analysis

Bkash and Alipay both offer a range of financial services, including mobile payments and money transfers.

Their success can be attributed to the widespread adoption of mobile phones in their respective countries, with over 80% of Bangladeshis and 70% of Chinese using mobile phones.

This high penetration rate has enabled bkash and Alipay to tap into a massive market, offering convenient and secure financial services to millions of people.

Their services are also highly competitive, with bkash offering a wide range of payment options and Alipay providing a user-friendly interface.

In terms of security, both bkash and Alipay have implemented robust measures to protect user data and prevent fraud, including encryption and two-factor authentication.

Credit: youtube.com, Alipay একাউন্ট করে বিপদ নাকি- কিভাবে একাউন্ট জমা দিলে টাকা পাবেন।

Their services are also highly regulated, with both companies adhering to strict guidelines set by their respective governments.

Bkash and Alipay have also been successful in reducing the costs associated with traditional banking methods, making financial services more accessible to underserved populations.

Their services have been well-received by users, with bkash and Alipay both receiving high ratings for their ease of use and reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alipay accepted in USA?

Yes, Alipay is accepted in the USA, but only at specific merchants catering to Chinese tourists or with a large Chinese customer base. You can use Alipay in the US by scanning a QR code at participating merchants.

Who are the partners of bKash?

bKash is a joint venture between BRAC Bank, Money in Motion LLC, International Finance Corporation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ant Group, and SoftBank Vision Fund. These global partners work together to provide a regulated mobile financial service in Bangladesh under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank.

Wilbur Huels

Senior Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Wilbur Huels: Wilbur Huels is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and investing. With a strong background in research and analysis, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. His articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as investment funds and their role in shaping the global financial landscape.

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