Remittance Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 24.37 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 52.24 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 16.47 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Remittance Market Analysis
The Remittance Market size is estimated at USD 24.37 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 52.24 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 16.47% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and global events are reshaping the remittance market. For migrants and their families, remittances play a crucial role. The funds received by migrant households in their home countries often constitute a significant portion of their income, primarily allocated to essentials like medicine, education, food, and housing.
- Inward remittances are set to surge, fueled by migrants' commitment to support their families during the post-pandemic economic recovery. This trend is bolstered by the financial backing from migrant workers. Moreover, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of digital platforms make them the preferred choice for sending money home.
- According to the World Bank Group, remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are projected to hit USD 669 billion in 2023. This surge is attributed to resilient labor markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, bolstering migrants' capacity to remit funds.
- Blockchain technology is increasingly being integrated into remittance services, lauded for its potential to bolster security, cut transaction costs, and enhance transparency. Such solutions promise faster cross-border transactions with reduced fraud risks, appealing to tech-savvy users in search of trustworthy services.
- A significant disadvantage of remittance is that it may encourage more labor migration because family members who receive remittances believe that they would be better off moving to developed countries and earning more money than remaining in their home country. In the long run, this can have a negative impact.
- In 2022, several dynamics influenced remittance flows to developing regions. As the COVID-19 pandemic waned, the reopening of host economies bolstered migrant employment, enabling them to support families back home. Conversely, rising prices squeezed migrants' real incomes. Additionally, the appreciation of the Russian Ruble (RUB) meant that outward remittances from Russia to Central Asia held a higher value when converted to USD.
Remittance Market Trends
Commercial to Hold Significant Growth
- Commercial remittance involves businesses transferring funds, often internationally, to support trade and services. These cross-border transactions utilize traditional channels such as SWIFT/correspondent banking, postal services, the Rupee Drawing Arrangement (RDA), and the Money Transfer Service Scheme (MTSS).
- India leads the world in receiving remittance flows, with China and Mexico trailing closely. While the bulk of remittances flowing into India come from the Middle East and the USA, the majority of India's outward remittances head to Nepal and Bangladesh.
- In India, banks partner with foreign correspondent banks to set up NOSTRO accounts, processing transfers through the SWIFT messaging system. SWIFT plays a crucial role for banks and financial institutions, enabling global payments. Its expansive network includes over 11,000 financial entities across 200+ countries, encompassing banks, securities dealers, asset managers, clearing houses, depositories, and exchanges.
- When sourcing from overseas, over 50% of U.S. businesses turn to electronic checks and bank transfers. Experts highlight that in 2023, 56% of U.S.-based B2B firms opted for eChecks in cross-border dealings, with a nearly identical portion favoring bank transfers.
- Additionally, the rise in e-commerce is amplifying the demand for commercial remittances. As online retailers broaden their horizons, reaching out to global customers, the necessity for reliable payment systems becomes paramount to ensure seamless cross-currency transactions.
North America is Expected to Hold a Major Share of the Market
- Over the past few decades, North America's remittance market has evolved significantly, moving from informal channels to regulated, formal methods. This shift has been driven by technological advancements and heightened regulatory scrutiny.
- Today, the USA stands as a leading country in remittance-sending. In the past, the US remittance market was predominantly reliant on informal channels, including money transfer operators and informal networks. Yet, as the market matured and regulatory frameworks emerged, a transition to regulated, formal systems took place. This evolution was fueled by the demand for enhanced transparency, security, and efficiency.
- The region's remittance demand spans dynamic services, including B2B (business to business), P2P (peer to peer), and C2B (consumer to business) transactions. These services are shaped by technological advancements and changing market dynamics. The rise of mobile payments and digital wallets has expedited and broadened transaction accessibility. This surge in speed and accessibility has intensified competition, especially with the influx of MTOs (Money Transfer Organizations) and fintech firms. Consequently, these entities have begun offering lower fees and enhanced customer experiences, often outpacing traditional banks.
- Moreover, the cost of sending remittances from the USA is influenced by factors like destination, payment method, and service provider. Data from the World Bank’s Remittance Prices Worldwide database reveals that sending USD 200 to Mexico incurs an average cost of about 4.5%. Conversely, the same amount sent to the Philippines costs roughly 6.5%. Transfers to certain African nations, like Nigeria, can see costs surpassing 8%, underscoring the premium fees for specific regions. Such disparities emphasize the need to weigh both costs and service options in remittance choices.
- Furthermore, the US remittance industry operates under stringent regulations aimed at curbing money laundering, safeguarding consumers, and upholding the integrity of the financial system. The Dodd-Frank Act champions transparency and fairness in financial dealings. It also established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to supervise and enforce consumer protection within the remittance sector. With major remittance providers expanding, the market in the region is poised for growth.
Remittance Industry Overview
The Remittance market is highly competitive and fragmented, primarily driven by the presence of major players. These key players employ strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and product innovations to maintain a competitive edge and broaden their global footprint. Key player include Bank of America Corporation, ZEPZ Inc., Citigroup Inc., and others.
The remittance market is undergoing a transformative phase characterized by rapid digitalization, increased mobile adoption, and supportive regulatory environments. As consumers seek faster and more cost-effective ways to send money across borders, digital platforms will continue to dominate the landscape. The growth potential remains significant, particularly in regions with large migrant populations and increasing smartphone penetration, positioning the remittance market for robust expansion in the coming years.
Remittance Market Leaders
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Bank of America Corporation
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ZEPZ Inc.
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Citigroup Inc.
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Wells Fargo Inc.
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Xoom Corporation
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Remittance Market News
- August 2024: Wise Payments plans to resume signing up new customers in India for overseas remittances, aiming to capture a larger share of the USD 32 billion market after upgrading its infrastructure and complying with RBI regulations.
- July 2024: Nala, a remittance startup that is now widening its portfolio through a new B2B payments platform, has raised USD 40 million equity in a rare deal that becomes one of the largest Series A transactions in Africa.
Remittance Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers
4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.3 Industry Value Chain Analysis
4.4 Assessment of Impact of macroeconomic trends
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Adoption of digitalization in developing countries
5.1.2 Rise in Mobile-Based Payment Channels
5.2 Market Restraints
5.2.1 Compliance with Intricate Regulations and Disparate Financial Norms across Diverse Nations
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By Mode of Transfer
6.1.1 Digital
6.1.2 Traditional
6.2 By End-user
6.2.1 Commercial
6.2.2 Personal
6.3 By Geography***
6.3.1 North America
6.3.2 Europe
6.3.3 Asia
6.3.4 Australia and New Zealand
6.3.5 Latin America
6.3.6 Middle East and Africa
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Company Profiles
7.1.1 Bank of America Corporation
7.1.2 ZEPZ Inc.
7.1.3 Citigroup Inc.
7.1.4 Wells Fargo Inc.
7.1.5 Xoom Corporation
7.1.6 Revolut Inc.
7.1.7 RemitFinder, LLC.
7.1.8 Panamax, Inc.
7.1.9 OFX Inc.
7.1.10 Wise Payments Limited
- *List Not Exhaustive
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE MARKET
Remittance Industry Segmentation
A remittance is money sent to another party, usually in another country. Typically, the sender is a foreign worker and the recipient is a relative in the recipient's home country. Remittances represent one of the largest sources of income for people in low-income and developing nations.
The remittance market is segmented by mode of transfer (digital, traditional), by end-user (commercial, personal), geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa). The market sizes and forecasts are provided in terms of value (USD) for all the above segments.
| By Mode of Transfer | |
| Digital | |
| Traditional |
| By End-user | |
| Commercial | |
| Personal |
| By Geography*** | |
| North America | |
| Europe | |
| Asia | |
| Australia and New Zealand | |
| Latin America | |
| Middle East and Africa |
Remittance Market Research FAQs
How big is the Remittance Market?
The Remittance Market size is expected to reach USD 24.37 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 16.47% to reach USD 52.24 billion by 2029.
What is the current Remittance Market size?
In 2024, the Remittance Market size is expected to reach USD 24.37 billion.
Who are the key players in Remittance Market?
Bank of America Corporation, ZEPZ Inc., Citigroup Inc., Wells Fargo Inc. and Xoom Corporation are the major companies operating in the Remittance Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Remittance Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Remittance Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Remittance Market.
What years does this Remittance Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Remittance Market size was estimated at USD 20.36 billion. The report covers the Remittance Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Remittance Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Remittance Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Remittance market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Remittance analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
