Going-Digital-For-Disbursements-Of-Donations-A-Smart-Move-In-The-Time-Of-Covid-19

The Covid-19 global pandemic has unveiled the strategic importance of integrating digital channels while helping financial service providers to effectively engage with customers.

While half of humanity is staying at home to curb the spread of this contagious virus, the customer engagement model relying on face to face interaction is deemed unsafe. While more people, especially daily wagers, have lost jobs, people were seemingly reluctant to donate money or goods because of the fear of contracting the virus.

To cope with the situation at hand, the Government launched an excellent initiative, Ehsaas program, with an aim to reach out to all those in need during the time of crisis. While physical collection and distribution of donations was not possible during the ensuing lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings, financial service providers had to face a new challenge and had to find new opportunities to help facilitate low income and vulnerable people in Pakistan during the economic consequences of COVID-19.

During such a crisis, digital payments have played a major role in saving valuable lives. In Pakistan, mobile wallets have acted as a lifesaver when it comes to donations to relief funds, helping people to make fast and secure payments. A local provider of digital financial services, Easypaisa collaborated with Zakat and Ushr department of the Government of Punjab to distribute funds to those who have been impacted due to COVID-19 outbreak and economic slowdown.

Remaining at the forefront of branchless banking services in Pakistan, Easypaisa continues to support financial relief efforts in the country. Easypaisa customers have wholeheartedly donated PKR 38 million to different charities and relief funds during the lockdown period through the digital payments platform.

Fintech companies are getting a foothold in the most traditional ways of donating money to people by giving a digital touch that is not only convenient but also safe and secure. In this way, these companies can also help increasing donations by attracting more people to generously donate via these digital platforms.