Affinity Mobile, a global provider of mobile financial services, today announces the commercial availability of their Mobile Application Delivery Enablement (MADE) platform, putting secure financial services directly into the hands of mobile subscribers.
As opposed to most mobile banking (mBanking) services that provide only closed, intra-bank transactions, MADE takes the next step and enables secure mobile money transfers (mTransfers), mobile bill payments (mPayments) and mobile wallet accounts (mWallet). MADE offers rapid deployment, broad device coverage and the ability to create customized branded solutions including instant issue, prepaid debit cards that can be used at any ATM or debit point of sale.
"We have worked hard over the last three years developing the MADE platform, so we are excited to announce commercial availability. Using proprietary technology atop industry standards, the innovative MADE platform securely bridges financial and mobile networks. Just like cell phones put an end to the payphone booth, and the Blackberry eliminated the need to be at your PC to send email, MADE puts quick, secure financial transactions in the hand of the consumer, at any time, and in any place," said John Carney, CEO of Affinity Mobile. "We have designed MADE to deliver true mWallet, mTransfer and mPayments capabilities to mobile network operators, retail merchants and financial institutions - all sectors that engage in secure financial transactions."
Trumpet Mobile is the first to embrace MADE, providing prepaid mobile services targeted towards the rapidly growing U.S. Hispanic population and other consumers who are underbanked. The Hispanic community is characterized as being not only highly underbanked but also heavy users of advanced mobile services. Now, underbanked mobile subscribers have the capability to securely transfer money on their mobile phones. With their Trumpet debit card, Trumpet subscribers have the freedom to send money anywhere in the U.S. and Latin America in a few quick steps from their mobile phone, saving them time and avoiding the hassles of having to drive to a money transfer store, fill out forms and wait in line. Trumpet Mobile is currently available exclusively at participating neighborhood RadioShack retail locations in the U.S.
"An estimated 40 million American households are underbanked, but they conduct more than $13 billion annually in alternative financial services transactions," said Chris Dean, vice president of product marketing for Trumpet Mobile. "By bundling great mobile phones, affordable rate plans, low cost international calling, an instant issue prepaid debit card and easy-to- use mobile money transfers, we are delivering significant value to our customers in two areas they care most about - managing their money and staying connected with their family and friends. Trumpet Mobile customers don't have to wait in long lines and fill out tedious paperwork to make their money transfers. We make it fast, easy and convenient to transfer money from their mobile hand set."