Due to regulatory requirements and consumer demand in Germany and France, MoneyGram opened company stores in both countries. International company MoneyGram has expanded its service capabilities of online money transfers to UK residents. Technology continues to play a key role in increasing MoneyGram transaction speed, automating and streamlining processes, and creating new functionality. Until 2004, the owners of MoneyGram were Viad Corp and Travelers Express Company Inc. The Global Funds Transfer segment is the primary segment of MoneyGram, providing money transfer and bill payment services to consumers, who are often unbanked or underbanked.