Can Grab’s anti-fraud foray become its AWS?

Grab has become an integral part of life for many in Southeast Asia, where its app can be found on more than 205 million mobile devices.

It’s no surprise then that much ink is spilled over the super app’s every move, whether it’s a potential adjustment of fares or a possible merger with arch-rival Gojek.

But less attention has been paid to its growing presence in the B2B market:

Consumers use the Grab app without observing the changes brought about by these initiatives. However, they may have a large effect on Grab’s top and bottom line.

Tech in Asia’s analysis of Grab Ads found that it could yield an extra US$245 million in revenue for Grab.

But it has other potential gold mines.

Could Grab Defence be Grab’s AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the global leader in cloud computing services. It was originally developed as an internal system to solve Amazon’s recurring need for fast and scalable technology deployment.

The technology was then offered to third parties. It now makes a significant contribution to Amazon’s top and bottom line.

Like AWS, Grab Defence involves opening Grab’s in-house technology to third parties.

Online activity inevitably attracts fraudsters, and Grab has faced fraudulent activities such as GPS faking, phantom bookings, and the gaming of incentives.

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