Platforms are taking the world by storm. Seven of the world’s eight largest public companies and many so-called unicorns—private start-ups valued at more than $1 billion—are leading the way. They are taking advantage of platforms to facilitate the exchange of goods and services between third parties to drive efficiency and add value. Platforms are not relegated to developed economies. They are coming into play in emerging markets and can be key to integrating financial services into customer experiences.
This slide deck is designed for financial services providers and regulators. It introduces key platform business models, their relevance to low-income customers and financial inclusion, and risks to consider when partnering with or regulating platforms. It also would benefit funders as it presents an overview of the relevance of platforms to financial inclusion.