Mobile financial services (MFS) applications require a hardware secure storage, secure element (SE) for crucial payment and authentication credentials, comparable to the EMV chip cards recently introduced in the payment card world. However, the diffusion of MFS is currently obstructed due to debate within the industry over which SE technology is to be adopted. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how industry participants can position themselves in the value chain and select the ideal SE option, thereby accelerating the acceptance of MFS.
This paper is based on previous research done in this field by Mobey Forum and other mobile payments bodies.
The study shows that MFS value chain positioning has a direct effect on which SE alternative is most suitable to the company. Identifying the most suitable SE technology in turn allows companies to seek out the most interesting business partners, and thereby results in a quick and widespread diffusion of MFS.
This study has implications for the adoption of MFS technology and the development of the mobile payments marketplace. It is especially relevant to management working towards creating a working MFS ecosystem.
