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Mobile money, money, money

Mobile money is everywhere, and along with its proliferation comes new opportunities — and new challenges. The rise of digital payments in Africa brought rural communities into the financial system, and cheap smart speakers are unlocking digital payments in India. Mobile money is still money, though, and is rife with the possibility of corruption: Mexican police have been accused of taking mobile bribes, and scammers in Malawi have stolen thousands of dollars. We’re covering it all.

A photo of a woman holding a smartphone with a QR code displayed as another person uses a scanner to read it.

Money 18 May 2023

A traveler’s dream: Cash-free payment systems link up across Southeast Asia

From Bali to Bangkok, people are ditching cards for QR code payments. There’s a catch: For now, it’s for locals only.

By Joan Aurelia Rumengan

A photo of a man with a bow and arrow readying himself to play the sport of teer in India.

Money 18 April 2023

Online sports betting in South Asia has a new target: Archery

Teer, a century-old game in India, is now attracting gamblers from Bangladesh and Bhutan.

By Sanghamitra Kar P

A photo showing GPay and Paytm QR codes as seen at a food shop in Kolkata , India.

Money 10 April 2023

India’s plan to export its wildly successful digital payments system

After starting cross-border payments with Singapore, India is now setting up more international partnerships.

By Nilesh Christopher

A food vendor with Paytm and PhonePe sound boxes in India.

Money 4 April 2023

How tiny, cheap smart speakers unlocked the rise of digital payments in India

Vegetable carts, flower shops, mom-and-pop stores: Small speakers that read out digital payment receipts are making fintech companies big money.

Money 30 March 2023

Mexicans say some police officers are taking bribes with mobile payment services

Victims of extortion say reimbursements are extremely difficult since apps and banks say they handed over their cards voluntarily.

A community healthcare volunteer interacts with residents of Mukuru Kayaba.

Money 30 March 2023

M-Pesa has been huge for Kenya’s economy — and for scammers

Nearly half of the country that uses the ubiquitous mobile money service has fallen victim to fraud.

By Martin K.N Siele

A person makes a payment using their phone.

Money 16 February 2023

Scammers are creating fake receipts — and a digital shoplifting boom

As fraudsters exploit payment apps to swipe free stuff, the apps blame victims’ poor “financial education.”

By José Luis Peñarredonda and Daniela Dib

Reports 8 February 2023

Why cash is still king in Iraq

After decades of war, displacement, and sanctions, Iraq remains cut off from the global financial system.

By Winthrop Rodgers

A customer talks to a vendor at a mobile phone money agent booth in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Report 31 January 2023

Scammers steal $117,000 using mobile money transfers every month in Malawi

Malawians have more mobile wallets than bank accounts, but security lapses allow for identity theft and other fraud.

By Kelvin Tembo

South Asia Newsletter 25 January 2022

Paytm’s crash and the puzzling future of Indian tech stocks

The payment major’s underwhelming performance on the stock market is deterring other Indian internet companies from pursuing public listings.

By Nilesh Christopher

Money 7 January 2022

“It’s a lazy tax”: Why African governments’ obsession with mobile money could backfire

Digital payments have brought lower-income and rural communities into the financial system. New taxes could push them back out.

By Tawanda Karombo

Money 19 November 2021

Africa’s first e-currency is off to a shaky start

Senior officials from Nigeria’s central bank and presidency privately shared doubts with Rest of World about the need for the eNaira.

By Abubakar Idris