This new development will allow Weixin (WeChat) users in China to receive money in real-time through the Weihuikuan Mini Program, which is a lite app integrated with Weixin. According to businesswire.com, Weixin serves approximately 1 billion users in China, while Western Union’s network reaches billions of bank accounts, including millions of wallets and cards in over 130 countries.
This new development will allow Chinese Weixin users to receive Western Union money transfers in CNY equivalent of up to USD 3000 per transfer. Moreover, these users can deposit their funds in real time into their bank accounts by entering their Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) and other relevant details in the Weihuikuan program.
A report on the future of digital innovation in China by mckinsey.com reveals that China has more internet users than the USA and the EU combined. Furthermore, recent developments in financial technologies have shifted Chinese consumer expectations for money transfer providers to offer security, safety, security, convenience, and speed.
Western Union representatives cited by businesswire.com have stated that China is the third largest recipient of remittances globally, as it received about USD 53 billion in 2021. In this context, Western Union found it imperative to deliver a reliable and fast money transfer experience for the country’s tech-savvy customers.
In August 2022, China-based digital payments companies Alipay and WeChat Pay have launched a series of trials for the usage of credit cards for cash advances.
The two platforms have already partnered with a number of banks to conduct small-scale trials that will allow consumers to obtain cash advances with their credit cards from AliPay and WeChat Pay, instead of via bank ATMs or bank mobile apps.
The move may add another channel of access for banks and be of benefit to increasing consumer activity as well as transaction volumes. Many Chinese banks already allow customers to use their credit cards to obtain cash withdrawals or electronic cash advances via ATMs and mobile apps, with the cash advance ceiling usually set at 50% of the total credit quota.
In July 2022, WeChat has announced it is cracking down on the use of the platform for the purpose of fraudulent financial advertising and promotions.
WeChat revealed that it was ‘banning the implementation of fraudulent sales and promotions in the financial category,’ including fraudulent wealth management content promising high returns.
The company also combats fraud making use of ‘new concepts’, including the shared economy, the Internet of Things, cryptocurrencies, exaggerated and false financial sales and promotions, misleading financial sales and promotions, and unqualified financial sales and promotions.
Every day we send out a free e-mail with the most important headlines of the last 24 hours.
Subscribe now