Customers in Hawaii can now send money to over 140 destinations as easily as sending an instant message, using the WorldRemit smartphone app or website.

The United States is the world’s biggest sender of remittances, totaling almost $135bn each year.

Just under 2 million Filipinos were living in the US in 2015 - one of the largest migrant groups in the country, according to the Migration Policy Institute.

Hawaii numbers amongst the most diverse states, and has one of the highest percentages of foreign-born residents. Just under 120,000 of those were born in the Philippines, where remittances make up more than 10% of GDP, according to the World Bank.

Globally, WorldRemit customers send over 580,000 transfers every month to more than 140 destinations. WorldRemit makes sending money home as easy as sending an instant message.

Ismail Ahmed, founder and CEO at WorldRemit, comments: “Hawaii is an under-served market when it comes to online money transfer services, despite the large number of migrants who regularly send money home.

“We’re excited to bring a fast, convenient service to the people of Hawaii. They can now send money as easily as an instant message - supporting the transition from costly offline remittances sent from bricks and mortar agents to faster, safer and lower cost online transfer methods”.