Global mobile money transactions surpassed $2tn in 2025, marking a doubling of transaction values in just four years, according to the ‘State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2026’ prepared by the GSMA Mobile Money programme.
The report highlights the rapid growth of mobile money since its inception 25 years ago, noting that it took two decades to reach the first $1tn in annual transaction value. Today, mobile money has become a mainstream financial service for underserved populations, enabling access to financial services for millions without traditional banking.
In 2025, mobile money reached 2.3 billion registered accounts, an increase of 268 million accounts compared with the previous year.
Active monthly usage also rose, with 593 million accounts engaged in the past 30 days, representing a 15 per cent increase year-on-year.
The Director-General of the GSMA, Vivek Badrinath, said, “Mobile money has evolved from a simple way to move money into a global financial ecosystem, reshaping how hundreds of millions manage their financial lives. Adoption and regular use are surging, and value is scaling faster than volume.”
The report also emphasised the role of regulation in supporting growth. Over 60 per cent of mobile money providers reported that interoperability, know-your-customer rules, and consumer protection regulations have aided their operations. However, challenges remain, particularly around cross-border data transfers, which 24 per cent of providers said have hindered their activities.
Despite gains in adoption, the report found a persistent gender gap in mobile money use. Outside Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, women are less likely than men to actively use their accounts within a month of registration.
The GSMA highlighted that mobile money is driving wider financial inclusion and social impact, including rapid payouts during crises and the expansion of adjacent services like credit, savings, and insurance, which are increasingly available to users.
Badrinath added, “By prioritising interoperability, digital public infrastructure, consumer protection, and financial health outcomes for women, mobile money can continue to provide safe, inclusive, and sustainable digital financial services globally.”
