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Report
Opportunities to Advance Digital Payments in Viet Nam
Digital payments enable inclusive growth and advance the Sustainable Development Goals, through cost savings, increased transparency, financial inclusion and greater women’s economic participation.
Blog Post
The International Labour Organization commits to expanding the use of responsible digital payments to advance decent work
New partnership will result in promoting digital payments as an important tool to increase security, financial inclusion and economic opportunities in the workplace.
Media Release
In Bangladesh, key public and private sector actors commit to scaling digital wages across garment sector
Dhaka, November 20, 2019 - Media release by Government of Bangladesh: Building on what has been achieved so far, the government and the private sector have committed to working together to solve the challenges in ensuring all garment factories pay their workers digitally. The decision came from the Bangladesh Digital Wages Summit, which convened on 20 November in Dhaka.
Blog Post
Call to action: Digitizing workers’ payments in the garment sector in Bangladesh
Leading brands call on other companies and suppliers in Bangladesh to grasp the opportunity to drive inclusion, efficiency, and transparency through wage digitization
Event
Bangladesh Digital Wages Summit
Scaling Digital Wages: An Opportunity for Garment Employees and Manufacturers
Blog Post
Senegal: tech helps boost access to health to leave poverty behind
Some African nations lead the world’s e-money businesses. And several are finding that leaving notes and coins behind is not only improving efficiency, safety and transparency, but it is also helping many people leave poverty behind.
Media Release
L’Agence de la Couverture Maladie Universelle du Sénégal lance une nouvelle plateforme numérique « sunucmu.com »
Communiqué de presse de l’Agence de la Couverture Maladie Universelle du Sénégal (ACMU)
Transportation Series: Blog 1 (Introduction)
Picking the Gridlock: Digital Payments in the Transportation Sector
Transportation Series: Blog 1 (Introduction)
Transportation Series: Blog 3
How cities will win – digital payments and the future of smart
Transportation Series: Blog 3
Transportation Series: Blog 4
Truly mobile money – ride-sharing and mobile payments in South and Southeast Asia
Transportation Series: Blog 4
Media Release
Senegal: Digitizing payments could add FCFA 104 billion to GDP every year
Media release by the Government of Senegal, the Better Than Cash Alliance and MM4P
Media Release
Sénégal: La numérisation des paiements permettrait d’injecter 104 milliards de FCFA par an au PIB
Communiqué de presse du Gouvernement du Sénégal, l’Alliance Better Than Cash et MM4P
Blog Post
Factories paying workers digitally are five times more likely to provide good social and labor practices
New data gathered from the Higg Index from 3,000 factories in 58 countries
Podcast
Going Cashless: An Opportunity to Accelerate Progress on the 2030 SDGs
Harvard Center for International Development (CID) hosts Better Than Cash Alliance on the CID Speaker Series Podcast.
Blogs & stories
Dollars and Change-Podcast
Wharton Business Radio hosts Better Than Cash Alliance on the “Dollars and Change” podcast.
Blogs & Stories
Accelerating the SDGs: How Digital Finance Can Ignite Faster Progress Toward the Global Goals
As world leaders met at the U.N. General Assembly in New York last week, many discussions focused on how to ignite greater progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Increasingly, digital financial inclusion is emerging as a key answer.
Report
Igniting SDG Progress Through Digital Financial Inclusion
Are you a decision-maker in government, business, or civil society?
Blog Post
Driving to Scale: Bim’s Journey to Digital Financial Inclusion in Peru
Interview with Felipe Vásquez de Velasco, General Manager of Peruvian Digital Payments (PDP)
Blog Post
Why cash is a problem for businesses around the globe
This blog was originally published on The Practitioner Hub for Inclusive Business
Blog Post
Why having less cash can mean a better life
A third of adults struggle to get by without basic financial services to protect against hardship and save for the future. Ruth Goodwin-Groen, of the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance, explains why moving from cash to digital payments can help reduce poverty and drive inclusive growth.
Report
The Future of Supply Chains: Why Companies are Digitizing Payments
New report underscores benefits of shifting from cash to digital payments in corporate supply chains
Report
10 reasons to be optimistic that full financial inclusion is possible through digital payments
The past decade has seen great strides in building awareness of the global financial inclusion agenda, and very positive steps in achieving tangible change.
Blog Post
“Digital payments can be a game-changer for farmers”
Interview with World Cocoa Foundation, Paul F. Macek, Vice President for Programs
Media Release
Gap Inc. Sets New Goal For Apparel Suppliers To Pay Garment Workers Digitally By 2020
Joins UN-based Better than Cash Alliance to Promote Financial Inclusion and Greater Supply Chain Transparency and Efficiency
Blog Post
In India, digital payments are changing the game for women entrepreneurs
This blog post was originally published in the Huffington Post
Report
The Role of Digital Payments in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Finance Ministers of the economies of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) endorsed the new Better Than Cash Alliance report on the role of digital payments in sustainable agriculture on 21st October, in Viet Nam.
Media Release
Unilever raises the bar on private sector leadership to achieve the SDGs through digital payments
In a significant step towards integrating social benefits into business strategy, the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance announced its newest member: Unilever.
Blog Post
In Kenya, better yields and inclusive agriculture start from your mobile wallet
One of the most important tools on Everline Wakhungu’s farm is her mobile phone.
Blog Post
Frequently Asked Questions about the Responsible Digital Payments Guidelines
Below are the questions we often get asked about our Responsible Digital Payments Guidelines:
Case Study
How Digitizing Agricultural Input Payments in Rural Kenya is Tackling Poverty: The Case of One Acre Fund
How Digitizing Agricultural Input Payments in Rural Kenya is Tackling Poverty. The case of One Acre Fund
Blog Post
Interview with Maha Bahou, Central Bank of Jordan “Our strategy is national, not institutional”
Ms. Maha Bahou is the Executive Manager for Payment Systems & Domestic Banking Operations and Financial Inclusion Department at the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ).
Media Release
To improve the lives of nearly 2 million workers, H&M group will encourage suppliers to pay workers digitally
H&M group becomes the first global fashion brand to join the United Nations’ Better Than Cash Alliance
Blog Post
Why Women Workers and Managers Prefer Electronic Wage Payments in Bangladesh
Payday can be an ordeal for women garment workers in Bangladesh. Often, they must wait in long lines, carry wads of cash through crowded streets, or encounter a mother-in-law demanding money.
Blog Post
How Digital Payments Are Connecting People With Opportunities To Improve Their Lives
This blog post was originally published in the Huffington Post
Webinar
Watch: Making Digital Payments Safe for All
At today’s webinar, experts from Paytm in India, Tigo in Tanzania and the Banking Superintendency from Peru revealed key insights on how to responsibly navigate the transition from cash to digital payments in emerging economies.
Media Release
New United Nations Report Reveals Bangladesh’s Progress on Digital Finance As Key Leaders Meet to Discuss Future Steps
In-depth analysis shows Bangladesh making impressive strides towards a digital economy, identifies solutions for further progress
Media Release
Nuevo estudio de las Naciones Unidas destaca progreso del Perú en finanzas digitales
Así como el Instituto Global McKinsey (MGI) revela que las finanzas digitales tendrían un impacto de US$ 3.7 trillones en el aumento del PBI en las economías emergentes, el nuevo reporte destaca cómo el Perú puede continuar avanzando en su agenda de finanzas digitales
Media Release
New United Nations Study Shines Spotlight on Peru’s Progress on Digital Finance
As McKinsey Global Institute reveals a potential $3.7 trillion GDP boost in emerging economies, the report outlines how Peru can continue to advance its digital finance agenda
Media Release
New United Nations Study Maps Top 10 Ways Governments and Companies Can Create Digital Economies
For the first time, new evidence from 25 countries shows how governments and companies can move away from cash, as McKinsey Global Institute reveals a potential $3.7 trillion GDP boost
Media Release
New United Nations Study: Digital payments could boost tax revenue by nearly US$500 million each year and drive economic modernization in Tanzania
Findings illustrate how the private and public sector could work together to modernize economies, improve transparency and support financial inclusion and growth
Resource
2016 Mobile Industry Impact Report: Sustainable Development Goals
This report is a critical input into the development of a comprehensive SDG implementation plan for the mobile industry.
Blog Post
Digital payments are key implementation tool for Global Goals, say EU leaders
During this year’s European Development Days (EDDs), which took place in Brussels from 15-16 June, digital technologies and the digitization of payments emerged as key enablers for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Case Study
Saving Money, Saving Lives: A Case Study on the Benefits of Digitizing Payments to Ebola Response Workers in Sierra Leone
At the height of the Ebola crisis, Sierra Leone turned to mobile wallets to make fast, accurate, and secure payments to Response Workers. Before digitization, cash payments were slow, inaccurate, and open to graft and theft.
Case Study
Building a Gateway to Digital Payments in Afghanistan: The World Food Programme’s E-Voucher Initiative
In Afghanistan, the World Food Programme (WFP) turned to digital payments to deliver food aid and has experienced many benefits by transitioning to e-vouchers and mobile money.
Media Release
New United Nations study finds digital payments to Ebola response workers saved lives and $10 million
By using digital payments to pay Ebola response workers, Sierra Leone massively cut payment times, avoiding large-scale strikes and ensuring a stable workforce to defeat Ebola. Sierra Leone’s experience shows the critical importance of preparing early for digital payments before crises hit.
Media Release
Une nouvelle étude des Nations unies révèle que les paiements numériques versés aux équipes d'intervention contre Ebola ont permis de sauver des vies et d'économiser 10 millions de dollars
En utilisant les paiements numériques pour rémunérer les personnes employées dans la lutte contre Ebola, la Sierra Leone a énormément réduit les délais de paiement, évitant ainsi des grèves à grande échelle et garantissant une main d’œuvre stable pour éliminer Ebola. L'expérience de la Sierra Leone montre qu'il est crucial de se préparer tôt aux paiements numériques avant l'émergence d'une crise.
Blog Post
UNFPA joins the Better Than Cash Alliance to improve programme delivery
Today, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, joined The Better Than Cash Alliance, committing to boost the use of digital payments to improve programme delivery, by generating cost savings and increasing transparency and security.
Resource
Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (CGAP)
This working paper demonstrates where and how financial services can help achieve the SDGs.
Blog Post
In the hands of women: A reflection on the gender gap in financial inclusion
Did you ever wonder why there is not an International Men’s Day? There actually is such a day, by the way—it’s on November 19th, but there aren’t too many people marking it with a night off from cooking or cleaning or childcare for the guys!
Blog Post
Mobile money promotes messages of peace in Cote d’Ivoire
Many Ivoirians were concerned that the 2015 presidential elections would lead to renewed conflict, particularly after the violence surrounding the elections of 2010.
Blog Post
Pioneer governments lead the way on shifting from cash to digital payments
By BTCA Communications Team
Blog Post
Digital Financial Services Can Help Bring Millions of Women Into the Workforce
by Leora Klapper and Ruth Goodwin-Groen
Blog Post
Watch: Inspirational speeches at UN Global Goals Summit
The President of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, as well as Ministers and other high level figures from Peru, Belgium, Bangladesh, Colombia, the Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and South Africa, delivered powerful speeches on how digital payments and greater financial inclusion are accelerating progress towards key Sustainable Development Goals.
Blog Post
UN Secretariat set to boost digital payments within UN system
On behalf of the United Nations’ Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Ms. Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Controller, announced that the UN Secretariat had just joined the Better Than Cash Alliance, committing to transitioning payments from cash to digital within the UN system.
Blog Post
Going the distance: How harnessing digital payments can help deliver on the SDGs
by Tidar Wald, Government and Corporate Relations Specialist at Better Than Cash Alliance
Media Release
Media Briefing - Making cash history
Making cash history: How digital payments can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals
Blog Post
Heads of State & Governments Event on Digitizing Payments & Inclusive Finance at UN Summit
Governments Leading the Way: Digitizing Payments and Advancing Inclusive Finance to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, Saturday 26 September, 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST, United Nations Headquarters
Media Release
Pakistan Plans to Bring Millions More Citizens into the Economy by Digitizing Payments
Government of Pakistan joins the United Nations' Better Than Cash Alliance to create inclusive economic growth and a more efficient market structure
Report
The Journey Toward Cash Lite-Addressing Poverty Saving Money and Increasing Transparency by Accelerating the Shift to Electronic Payments
This study:
Media Release
Leading global experts priotize key measures to optimize digital finance for world's poorest people
ANTALYA, Turkey - How are phones and cards changing the ways the global poor access and manage their money, and what should governments and financial institutions do to ensure innovative products and services meet the need of low-income customers? These and related topics were the subject of intense discussion and debate by leading global experts at a G20-backed event this week in Antalya, Turkey, one of the countries being transformed by digital innovation.
Media Release
India Anuncia Nueva Sociedad para Acelerar la Inclusión Financiera
El Gobierno de la India se une a la Alianza Better Than Cash de las Naciones Unidas para compartir los éxitos del programa de inclusión financiera más grande del mundo
Media Release
India Announces New Partnership to Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Everyone
Government of India joins the United Nations’ Better Than Cash Alliance to share success stories from the world’s largest financial inclusion programme
Blog Post
Cashing out: Ruth Goodwin Groen in The Economist Intelligence Unit
Crossposted from the original post that appeared in The Economist Intelligence Unit
Blog Post
Toward a cash-free world with the Global Findex
Development Research Group When the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) was formed almost three years ago, about half of the world’s adult population had some type of bank account. Last week the World Bank Development Research Group unveiled the 2014 Global Findex
Blog Post
Toward a cash-free world with the Global Findex
Development Research Group When the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) was formed almost three years ago, about half of the world’s adult population had some type of bank account. Last week the World Bank Development Research Group unveiled the 2014 Global Findex
Blog Post
A means to an end: The post-2015 future of financial inclusion
Financial inclusion is a means to an end – or many ends – rather than an end in itself.
Blog Post
Massive drop in number of unbanked, says new World Bank Findex Report
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2015 —Between 2011 and 2014, 700 million people became account holders at banks, other financial institutions, or mobile money service providers, and the number of “unbanked” individuals dropped 20 percent to 2 billion adults,according to 2014 Global Findex released today.
Blog Post
Digital payments can empower women
Re-posted from the “Beyond the Transaction” Mastercard blog
Blog Post
Saving $15.5 million by replacing cash with cards for Colombian coffee farmers
Two case studies from the Better Than Cash Alliance present innovations from Colombia’s digital payments ecosystem
Blog Post
Digitization of payments in Mexico saves billions
The Mexican government is saving an estimated US$ 1.27 billion per year, or 3.3 percent of its total expenditure, on wages, pensions and social transfers. How? By digitizing and centralizing its payments.
Blog Post
Going digital: keeping postal services as relevant as ever
UPU, the UN’s agency for postal services, has joined the Better Than Cash Alliance.
Blog Post
Digitization Helps Small Merchants Keep Jobs and Profits in Mexico
Guest post by Alicia Rendon Contro, Grupo Bimbo
Media Release
World Bank Report: Digital payments vital to economic growth
Gates Foundation and Better Than Cash Alliance urge governments to embrace digital financial services, offers concrete action steps
Media Release
Women’s World Banking Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance
One Million Low-Income People to Reap Benefits of Digital Money
Blog Post
Better Than Cash Alliance Recognized As Example for Effective Development
On April 15-16, 2014 the Better Than Cash Alliance presented at the First High Level Meeting for Effective Development Cooperation in Mexico City, Mexico. The meeting was organized by the Mexican government with support of the OECD and UNDP. Tidhar Wald, Government and Corporate Relations Specialist shares insights from the event.
Video
Webinar: E-Payments Deliver 15% Greater Efficiency in Kenya -- Is This the Future of Food Aid?
Blog Post
Davos Shines a Light on Financial Inclusion Via Electronic Payments
World Economic Forum recognises electronic payments as a driver for financial inclusion
Media Release
Catholic Relief Services Joins Better Than Cash Alliance
CRS Commits to Increase Electronic Payments to Strengthen Local Economies
Media Release
WSBI contributes its expertise to the Better Than Cash Alliance in shifting cash to electronic payments
In joining the Better Than Cash Alliance, the World Savings and Retail Banking Institute will work to increase the number of electronic transactions undertaken throughout its global membership as well as share research on the lessons learned
Media Release
Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion Key to Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth, say World Leaders
Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion Key to Poverty Alleviation and Economic Growth, say World Leaders
Media Release
Mr Bill Gates and Other Experts to Speak on Digital Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth
Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development and Mr Bill Gates to Speak on Digital Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Growth
Media Release
MasterCard Joins Better Than Cash Alliance
$1.5 Million Grant Adds Momentum to Global Movement to Empower People and Grow Economies by Shifting from Cash to Electronic Payments
Media Release
Malawi Joins Better Than Cash Alliance
Malawi Announces Commitment to Transition to Electronic Payments
Media Release
MEDA Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance
Pledges to Improve Access to Finance and Markets for the Poor by Supporting Shift to Electronic Payments
Media Release
Grameen Foundation Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance
Grameen Foundation Joins Better Than Cash Alliance; Pledges to Address Poverty by Shifting to Electronic Payments
Media Release
ACDI/VOCA Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance
ACDI/VOCA Joins the Better Than Cash Alliance — Pledges to Address Poverty and Grow the Economy by Shifting to Electronic Payments
Media Release
Government of Afghanistan Joins Better Than Cash Alliance
Government of Afghanistan Joins Better Than Cash Alliance — Pledges to Address Poverty and Grow Economy by Shifting to Electronic Payments
Blog Post
Better Than Cash Alliance Names Ruth Goodwin-Groen as Managing Director
Alliance Accelerates Work to Transition from Cash to Electronic Payments Worldwide
Blog Post
Better Than Cash Launch Event
2012 the Better Than Cash Alliance was launched at an event at the Ford Foundation in New York.
Media Release
Ruth Goodwin-Groen Named as Managing Director
Alliance Accelerates Work to Transition from Cash to Electronic Payments Worldwide
Media Release
The Better Than Cash Alliance Is Out to Create a “Cash Lite” World
The Better Than Cash Alliance Is Out to Create a “Cash Lite” World
Blogs & Stories
What’s Better than Cash?
“We are excited to be joining our partners in announcing the Better than Cash Alliance today. Committed to moving the global community onto electronic payments in place of physical cash, the Alliance will help the world’s poorest families join the modern economy and realize the benefits of a more transparent, inclusive, cash-light world. I’m optimistic that this Alliance will help usher in a new era of opportunity for some of the most vulnerable people on earth.”
Media Release
Initiative Launched to Accelerate Global Shift to Electronic Payments for the Poor
Initiative Launched to Accelerate Global Shift to Electronic Payments for the Poor
Media Release
Leading Corporations, Foundations and Development Organizations Form ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’
Leading Corporations, Foundations and Development Organizations Form ‘Better Than Cash Alliance’
Blogs & Stories
Is Cash the Enemy of the Poor?
In wealthy countries, most people conduct their financial activity in digital form; money and value is stored virtually and transferred instantaneously with a touch of a button, and the system provides an easy access to a wide-range of financial services. In contrast, most poor households operate almost entirely in the informal economy, using cash, physical assets (e.g. jewelry and livestock), or informal institutions to meet their financial needs.
Media Release
Digital initiative aimed at helping world’s poor
Digital initiative aimed at helping world’s poor
Media Release
Empowering People One Transaction at a Time
Empowering People One Transaction at a Time: Leading Corporations, Foundations and Development Organizations Form “Better Than Cash Alliance” to Accelerate Global Shift to Electronic Payments
Blogs & Stories
Empowering People One Transaction at a Time
Empowering People One Transaction at a Time: Leading Corporations, Foundations and Development Organizations Form “Better Than Cash Alliance” to Accelerate Global Shift to Electronic Payments
