Agency Banking
Empowering Women Through Accessible Banking Services
Women's Micro Bank Limited, affectionately known as Mama Bank, provides decentralized agent banking services across Papua New Guinea through its innovative Mama Bank Access Points (MAPs). Developed in partnership with organizations like the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), this branchless banking model aims to bypass the traditional lack of formal identification and security to extend basic financial services directly to the doorstep of unbanked women and rural communities.
Core Features of Mama Bank Access Points (MAPs)
Biometric Authentication
Utilizes fingerprint scanning instead of standard signatures to resolve identification issues and secure transactions.
Digital Infrastructure
Managed by a small team utilizing tablet-based applications and Bluetooth printers.
Offline Functionality
Features offline capabilities to successfully process client transactions despite remote internet connectivity issues.
Basic Transactions
Enables rural customers to complete daily functions including account openings, deposits, and cash withdrawals.
Operational Flow
Information Collection
Clients fill out physical applications guided by local volunteers or staff.
System Entry
Forms are routed and input into the central Abacas web system.
Biometric Scanning
Customers complete a single fingerprint scan to fully activate their account.
Local Access
Clients utilize their biometric data for subsequent local deposit and withdrawal tasks.
Geographic Reach and Network Extensions
Women's Micro Bank has established branches and branchless access centers in 20 locations nationwide. Key strategic agency locations and regional centers include:
National Capital District & Southern
Port Moresby (Morata and Gordons), Kerema.
Momase
Highlands
Islands
Critical Customer Guardrail
Dormant Accounts Notice:
Accounts left completely unused for over seven (7) years will be permanently closed, and remaining balances will legally transfer to the Department of Finance. Impacted users must contact their local branch or access point immediately to reactivate dormant funds.