Absa has launched the ability to use facial recognition on its iOS and Android apps to authenticate certain transactions without the need of a password or fingerprint.
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“Absa ID Facial Biometrics will be available when creating or resetting your password and PIN for Digital Banking,” the bank said in a statement. “The technology is highly advanced and performs a live check to ensure that the face it is scanning is, indeed, live,” said Christine Wu, the head of customer value management for Absa’s retail and business banking divisions.
According to Absa, the new upgrade is very simple and extremely safe, designed to assist in preventing fraud.
“Now, customers no longer need to remember a string of logon credentials nor visit a branch when linking devices or when opening new accounts,” Wu said. “With this feature, Absa is expecting to see an uptake of its digital channels, reduction in fraud incidents and a reduction in overall call centre and branch traffic.”
The features currently able to be authorised by face recognition include:
- Linking your mobile device
- Changing your mobile device
- Making immediate payments in real-time, without having to wait the standard 90 minutes
- Changing your digital PIN and password
