Monthly Archives - July 2017

MNO-led MFS Framework: Telenor’s Global Experience

At some part of world, regulations are very conducive towards ensuring an enabling regulatory framework for MFS providers. For Example, in Kenya, regulators have even allowed M-PESA (a MNO-led MFS model) to introduce formal banking (M-Kesho), micro-finance (musoni) and insurance products. In India, RBI has recently endorsed Airtel (an MNO) to leverage on its technological infrastructure; Airtel’s payment bank account holders will enjoy all traditional MFS services like cash-in, cash-out, P2P, P2B, B2P; most importantly they will earn hefty [...]

July 29, 2017 By BMBA 0 Comments Read more...

Potential scope for digitizing G2P transfer in Bangladesh

There is strong justification for the digitization of G2P payment (social safety net, salaries, pension and gratuities) in Bangladesh [one major recommendation prescribed under NSSS – National Social Security Strategy]. Currently, 145 social security programs are administered by 23 Ministries/Divisions in Bangladesh.   Name of SSP (Social Security Payment) Payment method % allocation of SS (Social Security) Budget Lifecycle staging Potential scope for digitizing G2P transfer Comment VGF (Vulnerable Group Feeding) 10 Kilogram rice per month 5.2%                     Food Transfer (Working Age) ✖ The first SSP (Social Security Payment) program initiated in [...]

July 24, 2017 By BMBA 0 Comments Read more...

Capitalism, Creative Destruction and Entrepreneurship

Both Adam Smith and Joseph Schumpeter was ardent supporter of capitalism; they believed in capitalism’s capability in redefining the rules of the game. Adam Smith synchronized capitalism with animal spirit; whereas Joseph Schumpeter relied on the role of entrepreneurs to conceptualize capitalism. So, Adam Smith’s interpretation of capitalism did not have a face; it was way too inherent and way too abstract. Unlike Smith, Schumpeter was skeptical about the fate of capitalism.  While Joseph Schumpeter agrees with Marxism-led philosophy [...]

July 18, 2017 By Articles 0 Comments Read more...

Agent Banking: Prospect & Challenges

Agent banking should play an instrumental role in including the unbanked under the formal banking umbrella of Bangladesh. MFS (mobile financial services) are mostly payment services, but agent banking is basically a limited-purpose banking solution. Access to payment service is often termed as an elementary-level human right; MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) have the competitive edge (technological set-ups like USSD and vast reach) to run payment-services successfully. So, payment service needs to be an MNO-territory. Even though, under the existing [...]

July 13, 2017 By BMBA 0 Comments Read more...

BMBA delegation off to India

A seven-member delegation of Bangladesh Merchant Bankers Association (BMBA) left Dhaka Sunday for India as part of the securities’ regulator’s ‘financial literacy’ program. The Bangladesh Securities & Exchange Commission (BSEC) organized the program as part of the ‘study tour’. The team will stay India from July 3 to July 7, 2017, said a BMBA statement on Sunday. The delegation is led by BMBA president Md. Sayadur Rahman. The other members in the delegation are Vice-president M. Mosharraf Hossain, Secretary General Khairul [...]

July 3, 2017 By Articles, BMBA, News 0 Comments Read more...