Evidence Synthesis or Map
What Are the Roles of Intermediated and Shared Use?
FiDA Snapshot #7
With the support of
This review synthesizes evidence on how people access digital financial services (DFS) through intermediated and shared use—common practices in many low-income and rural settings.
Intermediated use involves third parties, like agents, completing transactions for clients who face barriers such as low literacy or digital skills. Shared use refers to individuals accessing DFS through shared phones or accounts, a practice especially relevant for excluded groups like women.
- Why it matters: Intermediated access—especially via over-the-counter (OTC) transactions—can drive uptake in early-stage markets.
- What’s at risk: Long-term reliance on agents may limit digital literacy, reduce provider margins, and slow product innovation.
- What’s missing: Shared use is widespread but under-researched. Understanding it is critical for reaching excluded populations.
The evidence suggests that while intermediated access can expand reach, transitioning users to independent account use should be a long-term goal.
Contributors Annabel Schiff, David Hutchful
Date
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This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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