Due to regulatory requirements and consumer demand in Germany and France, MoneyGram opened company stores in both countries. 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. MoneyGram point-of-sale systems are continually upgraded to provide the latest new products and functionality. Money transfer wired system MoneyGram offers annually U.S. $ 500,000 in grants to charitable organizations to support education programs in developing countries.