DENVER — Western Union is rethinking its global public relations approach via a competitive agency pitch, the Holmes Report has learned.

The remittance giant currently works with a number of PR firms across the world, including Edelman in the US, Grayling, Citigate and Ketchum Maslov in Europe, and Burson-Marsteller in Asia.

It is understood that Western Union has shortlisted contenders after an initial RFP went out to several global PR networks. According to sources familiar with the situation, the brief is broad, in terms of both geography and capabilities.

While Western Union is, predominantly, a consumer-focused company, the company does require B2B support for its agent communication and business solutions unit. In addition, said one source, the rise of digital and mobile money services calls for specific technology insight.

A Western Union spokesperson said that the company, "as a global business," is "always looking at the best way to build our brand and reach with consumers and business clients, effectively."

"As part of that objective, we periodically review our agency relationships and commercial arrangements."

Western Union chief communications officer Luella Chavez D'Angelo left the company last year after 15 years with the financial services company. That role has not yet been replaced; communications currently falls under the remit of EVP Elizabeth G. Chambers, who also oversees strategy, product and marketing.

Western Union reported revenue of $5.5bn in 2015,  and noted that the company is aiming to strengthen its consumer and B2B units and expand digital expansion services.