Due to regulatory requirements and consumer demand in Germany and France, MoneyGram opened company stores in both countries. Money transfers via MoneyGram system can be used as by bank customers, and by people who do not have bank accounts. In due time MoneyGram separated from the Western Union and became an independent brand. Since going public two and a half years ago, MoneyGram has made great strides by pouring energy and resources into several critically important areas for business. Until 2004, the owners of MoneyGram were Viad Corp and Travelers Express Company Inc. Today the company MoneyGram International - an independent U.S. company, whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and MoneyGram money transfer is considered one of the largest international money transfer systems without opening a bank account.