Building Agent Networks at the Last Mile: New Insights for Providers

Webinar

04 March 2020 9:00 am - 10:00 am EST
This event has concluded.

How can digital financial services providers build viable cash-in/cash-out agent networks in rural areas? Remote areas pose special challenges for providers, as low population densities often mean low transaction volumes and weak incentives for businesses to serve as agents. As described in a new CGAP publication, “Agent Networks at the Last Mile" (2019), digital financial services providers are finding new ways to tackle this challenge around the world.

In this webinar, author Emilio Hernandez discussed key findings from our global research, focusing on emerging business models and innovations of interest to financial services providers. A panel of financial services executives weighed in, sharing their experiences with agent networks in Africa and Asia.

Event Resources

Webinar presentation >>

Related publication: Agent Networks at the Last Mile (CGAP, 2019) >>

CGAP's collection of resources on agent networks for financial inclusion >>

Speakers

Emilio Hernandez

Emilio Hernandez, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, CGAP

The author of CGAP's new publication "Agent Networks at the Last Mile" (2019), Emilio Hernandez leads CGAP's work on inclusive digital distribution networks. He also leads work on the impact of financial inclusion on poor people’s lives. He has a doctorate degree in agricultural economics and development finance from The Ohio State University.

Ronald Webb

Ronald Webb, Former Director of Financial Services, Safaricom

Ronald Webb is a payments professional with extensive experience across Africa. He is senior executive, board member, entrepreneur, adviser and mentor. He previously served as chief digital officer at Atlas Mara, director of financial services at Safaricom, and group payments director at Equity Bank.

Karthik Natarajan

Karthik Natarajan, Executive Director, Boonbox

Karthik Natarajan is executive director of Boonbox, an e-commerce platform focused on serving rural customers in India. The company relies on distribution networks composed of appliance stores and rural shops and has built a significant rural presence.

Jojo Malolos

Jojo Malolos, CEO, JG Digital Equity Ventures

Jojo Malolos is CEO of JG Digital Equity Ventures, the digital ventures arm of JG Summit that invests in early- to mid-stage startups in Southeast Asia. He also serves as board director and adviser at Wing Cambodia. Previously, he was CEO of Wing Cambodia and Smart Hub Philippines.