Agent networks are critical for expanding access to financial services in developing countries. They enable providers to offer viable cost-effective financial services at scale in developing countries reaching previously unserved and underserved adults. The focus has traditionally been on networked agents but increasingly providers are recognising the potential of un-networked agents, which exist outside of formalised networked retail chains and are independently-owned and operated.

This presentation explores the creation and effective management of these un-networked retailer agents for the distribution of financial and payment services. The study identifies five main network typologies based on the institutional type of the network originator. These typologies are explored through seven case study examples from Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.