Pacific Islands Working Group (PIWG): Mobile financial services – Regulatory action planning tool

Central banks in the Pacific region recognize the potential of mobile financial services in extending banking and/or payment services to markets thought to be previously unviable due to low population density and the geographically dispersed island archipelago nature of the countries. However, in order to serve the needs of the population while simultaneously protecting users, financial regulators must balance the risks and opportunities of mobile financial services arising from both the channel and the instrument.

This regulatory action planning tool was developed by the six Central Banks involved with
the Pacific Islands Working Group as they shared their experiences with creating the conditions for mobile financial services to benefit Pacific Islanders in a safe and sound manner. The tool outlines the main aspects they identified for definition, decision making or consideration from a regulatory standpoint, along with a path for implementation.