Remittances: the service provider perspective
26 Apr
The thesis examines international remittances (i.e. cross‑border payments sent by migrant workers) from the perspective of existing or potential service providers. It explains their economic significance and impact, characterizes the consumers involved with remittances and their behavior, describes the remittance process, and classifies and compares remittance transfer mechanisms. It also analyzes global remittance flows and the consumers’ cost. Furthermore, it summarizes the results of remittance provision market research, selects and reviews representative examples of existing services, and identifies categories of providers. The thesis then evaluates the strategic positions of existing types of services, and identifies factors that should distinguish successful providers. Finally, it assesses the business opportunity for new technology providers.