GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Money Transfer Industry Statistics

The money transfer industry continues to experience steady growth globally, driven by increasing adoption of digital technologies and rising demand for convenient and secure cross-border transactions.

Highlights: Money Transfer Industry Statistics

  • It's estimated that the size of the global remittance market is likely to reach $930 billion by 2026.
  • In 2015, the global money transfer market was valued at 580.4 billion dollars.
  • As of 2020, the US was the top remittance-sending country, followed by Switzerland.
  • The cost of sending remittances worldwide is on average 7% of the total amount sent.
  • In 2020, digital remittances made up about 43% of worldwide international remittances.
  • The industry experienced a drop in the amount of remittances by 7% in 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
  • China is the largest remittance-receiving country worldwide.
  • As of 2021, Western Union, an international money transfer platform, has over half a million agent locations worldwide.
  • Over 2 billion people worldwide are unbanked and rely on money transfer services to receive funds.
  • Several large banks handle over 90% of all global money transfers.
  • Mobile money industry processed $2 billion a day in 2019.
  • The digital money transfer market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 15.34% from 2021 to 2028.
  • Digital remittance platforms saw significant growth due to increasing smartphone penetration and rising internet operators.
  • India is the world's leading receiver of remittances, with an inflow of $79 billion in 2018.
  • MoneyGram, a major player, operates in over 200 countries and territories.
  • The average cost of sending $200 to Sub-Saharan Africa is around 9%.
  • E-wallet platforms are projected to handle $10 trillion worth of transactions in the year 2025.
  • As of 2019, the global digital payments market was worth around $4.9 trillion, primarily driven by emerging economies such as India and China.

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The Latest Money Transfer Industry Statistics Explained

It’s estimated that the size of the global remittance market is likely to reach $930 billion by 2026.

This statistic indicates that the global remittance market, which refers to the transfer of money from one individual to another typically across borders, is projected to grow significantly to reach a total value of $930 billion by the year 2026. This estimate suggests that the flow of remittances worldwide is expected to continue increasing over the coming years, driven by factors such as migration patterns, economic conditions, and technological advancements making it easier and more cost-effective to send money internationally. As such, this forecast highlights the substantial impact that remittances have on the global economy and underscores the importance of understanding and monitoring trends in this market.

In 2015, the global money transfer market was valued at 580.4 billion dollars.

The statistic “In 2015, the global money transfer market was valued at 580.4 billion dollars” indicates the total worth of financial transactions involving the transfer of funds across international borders that occurred in 2015. This figure reflects the magnitude of cross-border financial activities such as remittances, business transactions, and investment flows that took place globally during that year. The value of 580.4 billion dollars highlights the substantial volume of funds being transferred across borders and underscores the significance of international financial connections in the global economy. This statistic provides insight into the scale and importance of the money transfer market in facilitating financial exchanges between different countries and regions.

As of 2020, the US was the top remittance-sending country, followed by Switzerland.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the United States was the largest sender of remittances in the world, with individuals residing in the US sending money back to their home countries through international money transfers. Following the US as the second-largest remittance-sending country was Switzerland. Remittances play a crucial role in the global economy, particularly for developing countries, as they contribute to the financial well-being and stability of families and communities by providing essential funds for basic needs, education, healthcare, and overall economic development. The fact that the US and Switzerland are prominent countries in remittance sending highlights the importance of immigrant populations and international labor mobility in facilitating these cross-border financial flows.

The cost of sending remittances worldwide is on average 7% of the total amount sent.

This statistic indicates that, on average, individuals sending remittances worldwide incur a cost equivalent to 7% of the total amount being sent. Remittances are monetary transfers made by foreign workers to their home countries, often to support families or for other financial purposes. The 7% cost reflects the fees and charges associated with transferring money across borders, including factors such as exchange rate conversions, service fees, and other transaction costs. While remittances play a vital role in many economies by providing financial support to households, the 7% cost highlights a significant burden on senders and potentially reduces the net amount of funds that the recipients ultimately receive. Efforts to reduce these costs could help maximize the impact of remittances on improving the economic well-being of families and communities receiving them.

In 2020, digital remittances made up about 43% of worldwide international remittances.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, digital remittances accounted for approximately 43% of all international remittances worldwide. This suggests a significant shift towards digital platforms for sending money across borders, highlighting the increasing adoption of online financial services and digital payment methods. The data reflects how advancements in technology and increased connectivity have facilitated the growth of digital remittance services, providing individuals with faster, more convenient, and often more cost-effective ways to transfer money to their loved ones in different countries. This trend may have been further accelerated by the global pandemic, which restricted traditional in-person remittance methods and drove more people towards digital solutions.

The industry experienced a drop in the amount of remittances by 7% in 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the industry faced a decrease in the volume of remittances by 7% compared to the previous period, primarily attributed to the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. Remittances are the money transfers made by individuals working in one country to their families or loved ones in another country, and they are crucial for many economies worldwide. The decline could be a result of various factors related to COVID-19, such as job losses, reduced incomes, travel restrictions, and overall economic uncertainties. This decrease in remittance flows could have significant implications for the receiving households and communities, potentially leading to decreased consumption, lower living standards, and overall economic hardships in those regions.

China is the largest remittance-receiving country worldwide.

The statistic that China is the largest remittance-receiving country worldwide indicates that China receives the highest amount of money sent by individuals living abroad to their home country. Remittances are an essential source of income for many families in China, providing financial support for basic needs such as food, housing, and education. This statistic highlights the significant economic impact of remittances on China’s economy and the role of overseas Chinese workers and immigrants in supporting their families and communities back home. The high volume of remittances also underscores China’s prominence in the global economy and the widespread dispersion of its diaspora around the world.

As of 2021, Western Union, an international money transfer platform, has over half a million agent locations worldwide.

The statistic indicates that as of 2021, Western Union, a prominent international money transfer platform, operates a vast network of over half a million agent locations globally. This extensive presence across various countries and regions suggests that Western Union has a wide-reaching reach and accessibility for individuals looking to send or receive money. The large number of agent locations also implies that customers can easily access Western Union’s services, making it a convenient and reliable option for international money transfers. Additionally, the sheer scale of the agent network highlights Western Union’s significant market presence and dominance in the global remittance industry.

Over 2 billion people worldwide are unbanked and rely on money transfer services to receive funds.

The statistic states that more than 2 billion individuals globally do not have access to traditional banking services and are therefore considered unbanked. This means that they do not have a bank account or access to financial services such as savings accounts, loans, or other banking facilities. As a result, these individuals often rely on money transfer services to receive funds, manage payments, and conduct financial transactions. This lack of access to formal banking services can present barriers to financial inclusion and economic empowerment for unbanked populations, impacting their ability to save, invest, and build financial stability.

Several large banks handle over 90% of all global money transfers.

This statistic indicates that the global money transfer market is dominated by a small number of large banks, with several key players accounting for over 90% of all money transfers worldwide. Due to their significant market share and infrastructure, these large banks have a stronghold on the industry, exerting considerable influence over the dynamics and regulations that govern international financial transactions. Their dominance suggests a lack of competition and potentially limits customer choices, pricing flexibility, and innovation in the money transfer sector. This concentration of power among a few institutions raises questions about market efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for smaller players, ultimately highlighting the need for regulatory scrutiny and efforts to promote competition and consumer welfare in the global financial services industry.

Mobile money industry processed $2 billion a day in 2019.

The statistic ‘Mobile money industry processed $2 billion a day in 2019’ indicates the significant scale and impact of mobile money transactions during that year. This figure reflects the total value of transactions handled daily by the mobile money industry globally, highlighting the growing trend of digital financial services and the increasing role of mobile technology in facilitating financial transactions. The large volume of daily transactions suggests broad adoption and usage of mobile money services by individuals and businesses, demonstrating the industry’s potential to foster financial inclusion and promote economic growth.

The digital money transfer market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 15.34% from 2021 to 2028.

This statistic indicates that the digital money transfer market is expected to exhibit strong growth over the period from 2021 to 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.34%. This growth rate reflects the projected average annual increase in market size over the specified timeframe. A CAGR of 15.34% suggests a robust expansion in the adoption and usage of digital money transfer services, likely driven by factors such as increasing digitalization, advancements in technology, changing consumer preferences, and the potential for greater convenience and security associated with digital transactions. This forecast implies significant opportunities for businesses operating in the digital money transfer sector and underscores the importance of adapting to evolving market trends to capitalize on the projected growth.

Digital remittance platforms saw significant growth due to increasing smartphone penetration and rising internet operators.

The statement highlights the significant growth in digital remittance platforms, which can be attributed to the increasing penetration of smartphones and the expansion of internet services. As more people around the world gain access to smartphones and internet connectivity, they are increasingly turning to digital platforms to make cross-border money transfers, instead of relying on traditional methods such as banks or money transfer operators. This trend is driven by the convenience, speed, and cost-effectiveness of digital remittance services, which offer users the ability to send money securely and efficiently from their mobile devices. The growth in digital remittance platforms underscores the shifting landscape of international money transfers towards more modern and technologically advanced solutions.

India is the world’s leading receiver of remittances, with an inflow of $79 billion in 2018.

The statistic highlights India’s position as the top recipient of remittances globally, with a reported inflow of $79 billion in 2018. Remittances refer to the money sent by individuals working abroad back to their home country, which serves as a significant source of financial support for many households in India. The large inflow of remittances indicates the significant impact of the Indian diaspora spread across the world in supporting their families and contributing to the Indian economy. This statistic emphasizes the importance of remittances in India’s economic landscape and underscores the reliance of many households on funds from family members working overseas.

MoneyGram, a major player, operates in over 200 countries and territories.

The statistic that MoneyGram, a major financial services company, operates in over 200 countries and territories implies a significant global presence and reach within the financial industry. This wide geographic coverage suggests that MoneyGram has established a widespread network of service points, enabling customers to send and receive money across borders. Operating in over 200 countries and territories also indicates a high level of adaptability and compliance with various regulatory and operational requirements in different regions, showcasing the company’s ability to navigate complex international financial landscapes. Overall, this statistic underscores MoneyGram’s prominence as a global player in the money transfer services sector.

The average cost of sending $200 to Sub-Saharan Africa is around 9%.

This statistic indicates that on average, the cost of sending $200 to Sub-Saharan Africa amounts to approximately 9% of the total amount sent. This cost percentage includes any fees or charges associated with the transaction, such as remittance fees or exchange rate markups. A higher percentage implies a greater share of the sender’s money is being used to cover transaction costs, which could impact the overall value received by the recipient in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lowering these costs could potentially improve the efficiency and impact of remittances sent to the region.

E-wallet platforms are projected to handle $10 trillion worth of transactions in the year 2025.

This statistic indicates that electronic wallet (e-wallet) platforms are expected to process a total of $10 trillion in financial transactions by the year 2025. E-wallets are digital payment services that allow users to store, send, and receive money electronically through their mobile devices or computers. The projected increase in transaction volume reflects the growing popularity and adoption of e-wallets as a convenient and secure payment method for consumers and businesses alike. This rapid growth in e-wallet usage is propelling the digital payment industry towards a significant milestone, highlighting the shift towards cashless transactions and the increasing importance of digital financial services in the global economy.

As of 2019, the global digital payments market was worth around $4.9 trillion, primarily driven by emerging economies such as India and China.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the total value of transactions in the global digital payments market amounted to approximately $4.9 trillion, reflecting a significant shift towards digital payment solutions worldwide. This growth was largely driven by emerging economies like India and China, which have experienced rapid adoption of digital payment platforms due to factors such as expanding internet connectivity, government initiatives promoting cashless transactions, and the increasing popularity of mobile devices for financial transactions. The statistic underscores the increasing importance of digitalization in the financial sector and the role of emerging markets in driving the growth of digital payments on a global scale.

Conclusion

Money transfer industry statistics highlight the continuous growth and evolution of this sector, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. As we delve deeper into the data, we can glean valuable insights that can help businesses make informed decisions and navigate the competitive landscape successfully. It is evident that the future of the money transfer industry is promising, with opportunities for innovation and expansion on the horizon.

References

0. – https://www.www.afro.who.int

1. – https://www.www.mordorintelligence.com

2. – https://www.migrationdataportal.org

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5. – https://www.www.statista.com

6. – https://www.www.researchandmarkets.com

7. – https://www.www.globenewswire.com

8. – https://www.www.moneygram.com

9. – https://www.globalfindex.worldbank.org

10. – https://www.dazeinfo.com

11. – https://www.www.westernunion.com

12. – https://www.www.worldbank.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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