Visa Path To Access

In a world that’s rapidly advancing towards a digital-first future, it’s a sobering reality that 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain financially excluded. This episode of Visa’s podcast takes a strategic view on ‘why’ ‘what’ and ‘how’ we can narrow the divide and ensure that essential financial services are accessible to everyone, including those who have long been left on the fringes – the unbanked and underbanked. Starting with the ‘why’ - we delve into the personal and organizational significance of access. We explore the access imperative – why is it a critical component that defines empowerment and equitable participation in the global economy. Our speakers share their insights, providing a unique perspective on ‘what’ access means to them and their organizations. We will also aim to uncover the ‘how’ and discuss the strategic imperative of access. We unpack the strategies steering us towards a more inclusive future, delving into real-world examples that showcase the power of collaboration and innovation.  In our concluding moments, we share compelling insights that spark a call to action. It’s not just about understanding the issues, it’s about inspiring change - we reflect on the potential of united endeavours and cutting-edge solutions to redefine financial inclusion.

In our latest episode we explore the wonderful world of Payfacs, which have evolved since the more traditional first-gen variant of the 1990’s. Initially devised to help businesses easily accept online payments, today’s payfacs’ solutions reduce the complexity of setting up online payments, allowing businesses to focus their finite resources on their core competencies. With around 250 unique payfacs operating in CEMEA, it’s a tremendous growth opportunity ripe for the taking. By removing roadblocks to success and facilitating the digital payments process, payfacs have so far succeeded in unlocking access to the payment ecosystem for a range of consumers. Join industry experts Michael Berner, Senior Vice President, Head of Merchant Sales & Acquiring for Visa CEMEA and Ali Abulhasan – CEO and Co-Founder of Tap Payments as they discuss how to harness the power of this vast payfacs network, what companies are doing to develop leading technology and opportunities that exist in CEMEA today that could represent a rich seam of future innovation if properly tapped into.  

As CEMEA transitions to the digital future, fintechs and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have an increasingly important role to play in facilitating the process; in particular, they have the potential to unlock access to the payment ecosystem and make it a more equitable space. With more than 1.35 billion accounts globally, the advent of mobile money services has paved the way to financial inclusion for many.  In this episode, we assess the stepping stones that need to be navigated now across CEMEA to accelerate progress, whilst analyzing the greenfield opportunities that fintechs can tap into? We also look at how Visa intends to harness the network effect to help pave the road ahead for players across the mobile money ecosystem and, by doing so, ensure an equitable future for all.

The creator economy is increasingly taking centre stage. An estimated 50 million people worldwide are now earning primary income as content creators, a number that has more than doubled since 2019. Technology has changed the game for amateur storytellers, who can now access a number of ways by which to create content and leverage social media platforms in order to gain maximum exposure. And, for the first time, technological advances are enabling creators to access empowering tools that can help them to shift to more lucrative and sustainable business models. Join industry experts Akshay Chopra, VP, Head of Innovation & Design, CEMEA at Visa and Ahmed Younis, Head of Meta creative shop META, MENA as they discuss how the creator economy is evolving, the importance of financial education for those in the creative space and how to support them to ensure they have the skills to not only survive but thrive. 

Digital inclusion is more than merely the ability to access technology, it also presents a valuable opportunity for individuals to participate fully in society. While many now have access to the internet, various barriers that prevent full participation in the digital economy still need to be addressed. Join our host, Scott Armstrong, as he speaks with industry experts Andrew Torre, Regional President, CEMEA at Visa, and Aamir Kureshi, Head Consumer, Agriculture & SME Banking at Habib Bank Ltd, as they discuss how we can overcome the digital divide, and strategies by which organizations and stakeholders can collaborate to uplift economies, businesses and individuals and, by doing so, create a direct path to global prosperity. 

Digital inclusion is more than merely the ability to access technology, it also presents a valuable opportunity for individuals to participate fully in society. While many now have access to the internet, various barriers that prevent full participation in the digital economy still need to be addressed. Join our host, Scott Armstrong, as he speaks with industry experts Andrew Torre, Regional President, CEMEA at Visa, and Aamir Kureshi, Head Consumer, Agriculture & SME Banking at Habib Bank Ltd, as they discuss how we can overcome the digital divide, and strategies by which organizations and stakeholders can collaborate to uplift economies, businesses and individuals and, by doing so, create a direct path to global prosperity. 

In Visa Path To Access, a podcast series brought you to by Visa, industry leaders and financial experts explore how unlocking access to the digital economy can bring significant benefits to individuals, businesses and entire economies. This is especially pertinent in 2023, with millions of people across the world still living without access to affordable digital services, and almost one third of the world remaining offline. Join our host, Scott Armstrong, as he and his guests discuss the key obstacles that need to be overcome to enable access for everyone, everywhere. Throughout the series, our experts identify and share insight on what remains to be done across CEMEA to realise the goal of a more equitable future – one where entire economies, businesses, and individuals are uplifted as we progress along the path to global prosperity. A robust initiative that seeks to communicate why access to the digital economy matters, the Path to Access campaign is central to Visa’s commitment to expand access to the digital economy to drive inclusive economic growth and prosperity for everyone, everywhere. The Path to Access podcast series tells the story of how Visa, in collaboration with its vast network of partners, is enabling access across CEMEA – with recommendations on the best route forward to turn the vision into reality.

In Visa Path To Access, a podcast series brought you to by Visa, industry leaders and financial experts explore how unlocking access to the digital economy can bring significant benefits to individuals, businesses and entire economies. This is especially pertinent in 2023, with millions of people across the world still living without access to affordable digital services, and almost one third of the world remaining offline. Join our host, Scott Armstrong, as he and his guests discuss the key obstacles that need to be overcome to enable access for everyone, everywhere. Throughout the series, our experts identify and share insight on what remains to be done across CEMEA to realise the goal of a more equitable future – one where entire economies, businesses, and individuals are uplifted as we progress along the path to global prosperity. A robust initiative that seeks to communicate why access to the digital economy matters, the Path to Access campaign is central to Visa’s commitment to expand access to the digital economy to drive inclusive economic growth and prosperity for everyone, everywhere. The Path to Access podcast series tells the story of how Visa, in collaboration with its vast network of partners, is enabling access across CEMEA – with recommendations on the best route forward to turn the vision into reality.