Fintech : Revolutionising the future of fintech in Mauritius

IN the ever-changing business landscape, the introduction of financial technology, or fintech as it is more commonly known, has altered the way businesses and consumers conduct transactions. As we step further into the realm of digitalisation and we head towards a digital economy, the future of fintech payments in Mauritius will be key to unlocking the way we manage cash, make purchases, and interact with financial institutions. From mobile payment solutions to blockchain-based platforms, the growing fintech ecosystem consists of a wide spectrum of the latest technologies, specialised software, complex algorithms, and other innovations designed mainly to streamline financial processes and enhance security, whilst also improving accessibility for all stakeholders.

In these times of unprecedented convenience and efficiency where mobile payment systems are on the rise and most nations are moving towards a digital economy, Emtel has embarked on yet another technological adventure. As a pioneering company whose philosophy is based on fully embracing innovation, it has once again shown the way by launching blink, a revolutionary mobile app that allows users having any bank account to make digital payments using any mobile network, through a smartphone (or a tablet) connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data, in a contactless, instantaneous, and secure manner.

blink has been designed with the specific goal of making payment services easily and seamlessly accessible to everyone in Mauritius in a fast, and reasonable way, regardless of who they bank with, and from where they conduct their transactions. At this point in time, its initial goal has been brilliantly met. In a little less than two years since its launch, blink has become the go-to app for Mauritians when it comes to mobile payment solutions.

blink is already accelerating the expansion of our cross-border trade capabilities in India. Recently, Emtel was part of a strategic partnership which successfully launched the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services in Mauritius. Today, blink is part of the digital ecosystem of the UPI journey as the only PSP licence holder to enable UPI service. Users of blink will soon be able to scan the UPI codes in India to make payments, therefore avoiding the hassle of carrying cash and converting into different currencies before availing Indian Rupees. They will have access to over 50 million retailers as well as others who use UPI QR codes. The transactions will be facilitated via their bank accounts in Mauritius.

The Bank of Mauritius is enabling the flow and once all banks are live, we will be launching the service for all Mauritians to use blink in India. Similarly, Indian travellers will be able to scan blink UPI codes in Mauritius to make payments from their India payment apps.

blink started with mobile payments in Mauritius, Rodrigues and Agalega, facilitating the lives of people in sending money transfers to other blink account holders, scanning & paying merchants, and in setting automatic payments to conduct the payments of bills. Always at the forefront of technology, it is needless to say that the intention is to enable blink as a universal payment method in the digital payment ecosystem in Mauritius and even abroad.

A WIN-WIN FORMULA FOR ALL

And why should it not be the case? After all, as an all-in-one payment app that works at your fingertips, blink is breaking down barriers and creating more opportunities for people worldwide.

On one hand, fintech apps are helping businesses to streamline and automate their financial processes, reducing costs and improving operational efficiency. Features such as digital payments, automatic billing, and real-time analytics remove traditional barriers to completing transactions, increasing customer satisfaction whilst also encouraging data-driven decision making.

On the other hand, customers are not being left behind either with features like mobile payments, budgeting tools, and even investment advice. Thanks to a more personalised and convenient experience, consumers can better manage their finances on the go and access the financial products and services they require whenever and wherever necessary, therefore unlocking greater freedom and autonomy.

THE FUTURE OF POSSIBILITIES

In re-imagining the future of financial payments at Emtel, blink may introduce voice-activated commands (depending on the evolution of voice and chat technologies) or chat-based customer support for an even more user-friendly interface.

While future versions may include aforementioned tools for budgeting, expense tracking, and financial planning, we are also considering an integration with additional services such as transportation, entertainment, and healthcare, offering users a comprehensive platform for various types of transactions. In establishing partnerships with other fintech service providers, we aim to create a broader ecosystem that offers a seamless experience across multiple platforms.

However, with innovation comes challenges and considerations for the future of fintech payments. As cyber threats and data breaches continue to increase worldwide, security remains at the forefront of our priorities. As such, regulatory compliance and consumer protection will also have a critical role to play in shaping the future of fintech payments in order to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities and breaches.

As institutions around the world seek to strike the right balance between fostering innovation and ensuring the integrity and stability of the financial system, Feel free to imagine a future of endless possibilities. As for us, we shall continue to strive hard to remain at the forefront of innovation in order to create a more inclusive, efficient and financial ecosystem for all.