Clickatell has announced that it is providing in-country SMS alert services to Satelite Microfinance Bank in collaboration with Neptune Software Plc.
Satelite’s customers now receive real-time, priority alert messaging via Clickatell’s Secure Enterprise Mobile Messaging Gateway, notifying them when transactions are taking place on their credit and debit accounts.
“Microfinance has fast become an important part of financial services as institutions serve previously under or un-served. Providing reach, connectivity and ubiquity, mobility is standing at the center of this high growth sector as the next billion consumers begin to receive a whole new breed of financial services,” said Pieter de Villiers, Clickatell CEO. “Emerging markets are showing a tremendous ability to leap-frog developed markets in terms of technology adoption and regulatory reform. In fact, there are three times more mobile payment and mobile banking initiatives in emerging markets than in developed markets.”
Experts estimate that 20-30 billion dollars are currently on loan to more than 50 million microfinance borrowers around the globe. Moreover, approximately 70% of the Nigerian population is un- or under-banked, an exploding demographic to take advantage of microfinance services.
“Utilizing the ubiquity of mobile phones in our country, we’ve been able to create a cost effective and reliable direct line of communication between us and our customers ensuring far more personalised and cost effective banking service,” said Nnamdi Chizea, divisional head, Operations & Treasury Management for Satelite MFB. "Satelite MFB is proud to have the backing of global players, Clickatell and Neptune Software, as we lead Africa’s charge to provide much needed access to financial services to the continent."