While mobile banking is a growing trend around many parts of the world, Canadians seem to be among the most reluctant to adopt it, citing worries about security and privacy as top concerns.

According to a KPMG International survey, 63% of Canadians are "very concerned" about privacy in conducting banking transactions or shopping through mobile phones; while 58% are concerned about security. Globally, the figures were 67% and 59%, respectively. However, Canadians also report a correspondingly lower usage of mobile devices for making purchases and banking.

Only 19% of Canadians feel comfortable using a mobile phone for financial transactions, compared to 34% of global respondents. While the number of users who have made purchases over a mobile phone has increased in Canada to 8%; almost double that of last year; the numbers still remain significantly lower than in the rest of the world. Globally, 28% of consumers have made mobile purchases. The disparate figures appear when it comes to banking as well: only 15% of Canadians have done banking through a mobile device versus 45% globally.

"These consumer concerns over privacy and security are pivotal to the continued adoption of e-commerce and mobile commerce," says Brendan Maher, National Industry Leader of KPMG's Information, Communications & Entertainment practice. "Companies that implement robust policies and safeguards and provide for full disclosure of these measures are likely to reap the rewards through enhanced customer attraction and retention."

Canadians are also reluctant to pay for mobile content versus those in the rest of the world: 85% of Canucks said they would not pay for access to site content through a mobile phone compared to 76% of people in the U.S. and 57% globally. While Canadians are happy to endure advertising in exchange for lower prices or free content/services through a computer (45%), they aren't so willing to via a mobile phone at just 21% of respondents stating that they'd be okay with this. Globally, 56% of people are happy to get ads via PC, and 42% accept it via mobile device.

"These findings underscore an opportunity for carriers, content producers, and advertisers to work together," adds Maher. "Companies in this sector are seeking new, profitable business models, which will help alleviate the loss in revenues from traditional models involving print advertising.

Collaboration between companies to deliver additional benefits to consumers in exchange for ads has already proven to be successful in several instances, and ultimately proves rewarding for all stakeholders."

Canadians are ahead of other countries in our use of the "cloud," but we seem somewhat ignorant to its potential in the business world. Seventy-two per cent of Canadians use some sort of cloud computing service like Google Docs or Hotmail compared to just 51% of U.S. citizens and 66% of people globally. But only 13% are using it for business purposes versus 24% globally. (We are ahead of the U.S., where there, only 8% use cloud computing for business.)

So for what are we using cloud computing? Mostly downloading media like music, movies, and games (48%), says the survey. This is actually lower than the global number of 64%, but higher than in the U.S. at 39%. Cloud storage is also being used for e-mail, photos, and contacts.

"The low adoption rate of cloud computing services by consumers for business information likely indicates either a low confidence in cloud security and controls, or a degree of uncertainty as to how to integrate cloud computing into the enterprise platform," adds Yvon Audette, National Leader of KPMG's IT Advisory Services. "For consumers, once privacy concerns have been addressed, there are few technological barriers to adoption given the ease of use and access. Businesses, however, must also consider the technical challenges, such as systems integration, data retention, and disaster recovery capabilities. Business leaders need to clearly understand the requirements that are to be met by cloud services and build a plan for getting there; addressing consumer concerns over privacy and security is one part of this."

In terms of the rest of the world, China is leading the charge toward mobile Internet: 77% of residents there have used their phones for banking and 44% for retail transactions. India is not far behind at 38% for shopping and 43% for conducting financial business.

KPMG surveyed more than 5,000 people in 22 countries, including 300 from Canada.

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