Japanese mobile operator NTT Docomo has established Docomo Digital Ltd in London as a new global business operation. It will act as a mobile commerce ecosystem-enabling platform which aims to encourage financial inclusion for citizens worldwide by bringing together mobile network operators, digital and real-world merchants, financial services providers, regulators and other parties to make consumer transactions convenient and safe, with universal coverage.

The launch follows a six-year development testing and acquisition phase, in which Docomo bought Net Mobile and Buongiorno, among others. At launch, it will employ almost 1,000 people in 35 offices across six continents, with the main offices in London, Dusseldorf, Milan, Madrid, Paris and Florence.

Docomo Digital said it has created tools and infrastructure to provide seamless mobile commerce solutions for ecosystem participants across the world. The company will address regulatory and commercial issues between parties and operate a global technical platform on which mobile commerce ecosystems can be securely built and managed.

It said it will support stakeholders by building and operating digital media platforms, mobile payment services, such as direct carrier billing and mobile wallet, as well as offering technical support, mobile commerce consultancy and financial services through banking and eMoney licences.

A number of global commerce partnerships have already begun, including projects with major mobile network operators, retailers, content providers and social network platforms. The company said its goal to achieve truly global financial inclusion extends to banked and unbanked customers. It believes that being able to contribute to and participate in the digital economy should be universal, regardless of whether individuals have a bank account or not.

“Since 2009 we have patiently built and developed Docomo Digital into an organisation that can drive the evolution of mobile commerce,” said CEO, Hiroyuki Sato. “We are excited about the future of mobile and believe that it is the most logical pathway to achieving true, global financial inclusion for everyone.”