Seven financialinstitutions in Peru have started offering the electronic wallet service calledBim, a move that furthers financial inclusion in the country, El Comercio reported.

The institutionsinclude Mibanco Banco de la MicroempresaSA, Edpyme Alternativa,Financiera Qapaq, Caja Arequipa, Caja Ica, Caja Cusco and electronic money issuerGMoney, the country's banking association Asbanc said. They join previous Bim providerslike BCP, BBVA Banco Continental SA,Banco Financiero, Interbank, Credinka, Caja Sullana, CrediScotia Financiera SA and Banco GNB Perú SA.

Through theexpansion of Bim, Peruvians can manage banking transactions in places that currentlyhave limited access to financial services, the report noted.

Since its launchin February, 68,000 Bim accounts have been opened, the report said.