ICICI Bank Launches WhatsApp Banking

Abound, a comprehensive super-app tailored for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), has successfully secured $10 million in funding from the Times of India Group. This investment aims to bolster the app's remittance services, providing a more streamlined and cost-effective solution for expats.Nishkaam Mehta, the CEO of Abound, expressed in a press release on Monday that the primary objective of the app is to alleviate the complexities and high costs associated with traditional financial services for expats. He further emphasized that this borderless super-app is designed to cater to the distinct financial needs of Indian expats across various regions, enabling them to transcend geographical limitations and live their lives to the fullest.According to World Bank estimates from the previous year, remittances witnessed a 5% growth in 2022, reaching a staggering $626 billion. These transfers serve as a crucial financial lifeline for individuals sending money back home to their loved ones. Furthermore, with approximately 1.4 billion adults still without bank accounts, the need for innovative money transfer solutions is more pressing than ever.Abound, a venture of the Times of India Group and previously known as Times Club, is specifically crafted for Indian expatriates residing in the U.S. The app allows users to transfer funds to India without the hassle of long wait times or transfer fees. In addition to this, membership on the platform comes with a host of benefits including cash-linked and loyalty rewards, curated content, and access to both online and offline commerce. As more NRIs seek innovative financial management solutions, Abound positions itself as the ultimate all-in-one platform with features such as:Daily Shopping Rewards: Recognizing the significance of everyday spending for Indian expats, Abound offers a plethora of daily shopping rewards and cashback offers, enabling users to maximize their purchases.Exclusive Offers Across Categories: Abound provides its users with exclusive deals and offers across a wide range of categories, from groceries and entertainment to shopping and travel, thereby enhancing their lifestyle experiences.To commemorate the launch of its remittance feature, Abound is introducing a limited-time promotion for early adopters, offering an exchange rate of $1=₹83 for money transfers to India.Join the NRI community in ushering in a new era of financial management with Abound. The app is readily available for download on both Android and iOS devices, ensuring easy access and a seamless user experience.

According to recent data released by the central bank, Mexico received an impressive sum of nearly $5.7 billion in remittances during the month of May, setting a new monthly record. However, analysts caution that the strength of the peso against the dollar may have mitigated this achievement.Since the majority of remittances to Mexico originate from the United States, the value is recorded in dollars. Goldman Sachs analyst Alberto Ramos explains that "a strong peso hurts remittances," referring to the fact that the appreciation of the Mexican currency has an adverse effect on the funds received when converted from dollars to pesos.Interestingly, the peso has emerged as one of the top-performing currencies this year, appreciating over 13% against the U.S. dollar between May 2022 and May of this year.Due to the peso's appreciation, when measured in local currency, remittances actually experienced a 2.2% decline compared to the previous year, as stated by Ramos.Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has consistently highlighted the positive impact of remittances on the country's economy. The funds, primarily originating from the United States, have played a significant role in Mexico's economic growth.In 2022, Mexico recorded a record high of $58.5 billion in remittances from abroad, making it the second-largest recipient country, trailing only behind India.Despite the challenges posed by the "super peso," the dollar value of remittances sent in May increased by nearly 11% compared to the previous year.The latest data for May reveals a substantial jump of almost 14% compared to the previous month, resulting in a total inflow of funds reaching $24.67 billion this year.Notably, this amount surpasses the combined revenue generated by oil and agricultural exports during the same period, as noted by analysts at Mexican brokerage Monex.Analysts at Monex and BBVA attribute part of the May surge to the celebration of Mother's Day, suggesting that around 10% of the increased transactions can be attributed to this commemoration.The number of transactions in May experienced a 7% year-on-year increase, reaching a total of 14.56 million. Furthermore, the average amount per transaction rose by 3% to $391.Goldman Sachs' Ramos emphasizes that the strength of remittances reflects the robust U.S. labor market and visible wage growth, particularly in sectors where Mexican citizens are prominently represented.To compare today's best rates when remitting money to Mexico, use CompareRemit's easy-to-use USD to MXN exchange rate comparison tool!

New York, 27/05/2023 – Taptap Send, the innovative mobile money transfer application, is proud to announce its partnership with leading remittance solution provider CompareRemit.com. With a focus on empowering immigrants, Taptap Send simplifies the process of sending money back home to India, Pakistan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.Sending money across borders has long been a complex and expensive endeavor for immigrants supporting their families and loved ones. Taptap Send was developed to address these challenges, providing a user-friendly mobile application that streamlines and optimizes the money transfer process, all through the convenience of a smartphone.Taptap Send offers a range of features designed to enhance the experience for immigrants sending funds back home:Competitive Rates and No Transfer Fees: Taptap Send leverages technology to streamline operations, resulting in more affordable transfers compared to traditional methods.Mobile Accessibility: The Taptap Send mobile application ensures users can initiate money transfers anytime, anywhere.Transparent Pricing: Users are provided with upfront information on exchange rates, allowing them to make informed decisions and have a clear understanding of the total cost of the transfer.Taptap Send aims to break down the barriers faced by immigrants when sending money back home, enabling them to provide vital support to their families and communities with ease and efficiency.Through its partnership with CompareRemit.com, Taptap Send further expands its reach and impact, offering immigrants a comprehensive range of remittance solutions tailored to their specific needs and requirements.To learn more about Taptap Send and explore the various money transfer options available for sending funds to India, Pakistan, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, please visit the Taptap Send website.About Taptap Send:Taptap Send is a mobile money transfer service that simplifies and enhances the process of sending funds internationally. Designed with immigrants in mind, Taptap Send offers a user-friendly mobile application that empowers users to initiate money transfers conveniently and affordably, providing vital support to their families and loved ones across borders.Media Contact:Name: Anthony JacobTitle: Head of Growth, South AsiaEmail: [email protected]