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 E-Communications   Leading-Edge Applications

Banks charge at m-commerce

Tom Bamber of CMG looks at the most advanced uses of mobile internet technology - within the finance sector.

The provision of services on the move is a subject that has attracted much attention since the beginning of this year. WAP technology, various surveys about the growth of mobile telephones, and the auction for third- generation telecoms licences has fuelled the fire.

Consequently, we have witnessed a number of service delivery companies striving to offer services via mobile phones. The rush to market has been tempered with security concerns, availability of suitable devices and the inability to deliver a unique service - the so-called 'killer application'.

In the leading-edge financial services sector, many major retail banks have launched, or are planning to launch, a mobile banking service.

Initial services were essentially text-based offering basic information such as balances and most recent transactions. However, over the last six months, banks have been moving to provide transaction-based services such as funds transfer and bill payment.

Investment banks are beginning to see the potential value of mobile commerce solutions for both employees and clients alike. Employees are able to track the value of their clients' portfolios and receive relevant 'push services'. Clients can be advised of rate changes, earning announcements and bond issues. Retail broking services are starting to be offered via mobile devices. Initially, these were information based - such as quotes and news - but have now evolved to offer simple transactions.

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International Consultants' Guide November 2000
Copyright © 2000 Prime Marketing Publications