He said that mobile money is still in its emerging phases, there is consensus that regulations must be implemented gradually and designed to evolve as the industry expands and matures – an approach that seeks to respond to risks in the mobile money space as they emerge. Our Regulatory responses should then be proportional to the risks.

He said that World Bank study reveals that only 12% of the adult population of Pakistan has access to formal banking services. Only 24 Million people in Pakistan have bank accounts. Today only technology in Pakistan can bridge the digital divide.

Considering the scope, he added that PTA would like to introduce third party payment system with help of State Bank. The introduction of third party payment networks also known as MPSP (Mobile Payment Service Providers) would be of immense advantage since these third-party payment handing agents can work with many providers, rather than the closed networks. We could foresee opportunities for service providers (both from Banks and Mobile Sector) who move quickly to create new products, especially if they can establish shared networks of third party agents.

Chairman PTA said that another critical concern will be consumer trust. Consumer protection is critically important in the mobile money space. The need will become even more pressing as the industry expands into unbanked segments (We would for sure address this critical factor as well while enabling true mobile commerce system for the people of Pakistan.

At the end of session Dr. Mohammed Yaseen distributed mementos and awards. He also received “Visionary Telecom Leader 2010” on the occasion.