Identifying the Factors that Lead to a Successful Intermediary in Electronic Commerce

The Internet has changed the way we interact with others in both our business and personal spheres. Electronic commerce and mobile commerce are becoming mainstream as a result of the increased use of the Internet and wireless by individuals, business and government. Electronic commerce has developed beyond buying and selling of goods electronically. It is now leading to new online intermediaries and new on-line payment mechanisms which provide additional services to those provided by existing credit providers. These new intermediaries are adding value through providing choice to users and through increased use and acceptance of technology as a way to conduct business and to communicate. This chapter explores the factors that have led to the success of a new financial intermediary in electronic commerce. We sought to understand where the impetus for new intermediary roles came from, whether it arose from existing roles in the process being converted, or whether it was driven by external factors such as governments seeking increased efficiencies. We were also interested in understanding whether it is possible to identify ABSTRACT