Expanding the Ecosystem of Mobile Money: Considerations for Interoperability

This note from the GSMA discusses interoperability in broad terms as the interconnection of mobile money services with external parties, with the aim to create value for both customers and commercial players. Interoperability is increasingly cited as a solution to increase transaction volumes and extend the range of financial products offered through the mobile phone. While interoperability is seen by some as a “silver bullet” for greater financial inclusion, it is not a given that interoperability will lead to that goal. To successfully implement interoperability, consideration must be given to the current state of the market. This note serves to promote discussion within the industry about how to evaluate opportunities for interoperability and how more of these opportunities could be realised.