WhatsApp Inc. is in advanced talks with three companies to offer mobile transaction services in Indonesia, Reuters reported Aug. 20, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The Facebook Inc.-owned messaging service is reportedly in advanced talks with GO-JEK, Ant Financial Services Group-backed DANA and fintech startup OVO, with deals expected to be finalized shortly. It has also approached state-owned PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk, which operates a digital wallet.
WhatsApp intends to only support payments in Indonesia through local digital wallets, given the country's stringent licensing rules, the sources told Reuters.
The Facebook unit is awaiting regulatory clearance in India to offer direct payment services, following delays caused by local data storage rules.
