Mobile banking refers to the use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to access banking services and make financial transactions. It is a relatively recent development in the world of banking and finance, and its history can be traced back to the late 1990s and early 2000s.
One of the earliest examples of mobile banking was the launch of SMS banking in 1997 by a Finnish bank called Osuuspankki. This allowed customers to check their account balances, transfer money, and pay bills using short message service (SMS) technology. This was followed by the launch of mobile banking apps in the early 2000s, which allowed users to access banking services on their mobile devices using internet connectivity.
The adoption of mobile banking was slow at first, as many people were hesitant to use their mobile devices for financial transactions due to concerns about security. However, as mobile devices became more common and secure, the use of mobile banking began to grow. In the mid-2000s, banks and financial institutions around the world began to offer mobile banking services to their customers.
One of the main drivers of the growth of mobile banking was the proliferation of smartphones and tablets. These devices made it easier for people to access banking services on the go, and their widespread adoption led to a surge in the use of mobile banking. In addition, the development of more secure mobile payment systems, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, helped to increase the popularity of mobile banking.
In recent years, mobile banking has become increasingly prevalent in the world, and it is now used by millions of people around the globe. It has also become an important part of the banking industry, with many banks and financial institutions offering mobile banking services to their customers.
Overall, the history of mobile banking has been one of rapid growth and development. From its early beginnings in the late 1990s, mobile banking has become an integral part of the world of banking and finance, and it is likely to continue to play a central role in the industry in the years to come.