Deutsche Bank’s Global Transaction Banking (GTB) division, one of the giants in payments clearing and settlement across all major currencies, has launched mobile phone payment services to its clients in 80 countries across Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Luup, a European-based mobile payment provider with a global presence, collaborated with Deutsche Bank to provide the service.

A recent Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report titled “Weathering the Storm: Global Payments 2009” indicates that while payments are a bellwether business model for Banks, in today’s tumultuous times the key to continued success will be a lean, end-to-end business model aimed at achieving the highest level of efficiency on the retail side. The report advocates that European policy makers should focus on setting up industry standards for electronic and mobile payments to bring about the desired efficiencies.

Mashreq, the largest private bank in the UAE, has partnered with PayMate, India’s leading mobile commerce company to launch mobile payments in the UAE. The scope of offerings would include paying for over-the-counter shopping, utility bills, and online purchases via the mobile as well as mobile applications enabling purchase of movie and flight tickets. This first-of-itskind mobile payment service in the UAE, would be available for 3.5 million credit card users in the UAE as well as half a million Mashreq Bank account holders.

Zippi Networks Inc has successfully completed a one of a kind application for Apple’s iPhone, called “Zippi Cash(TM)”. With firms such as Kleiner Perkins Venture Fund establishing $100 million funds specifically for iPhone app. development, Zippi also recognizes that the iPhone has created a new playing field for commerce, similar to the advent of the World Wide Web.