SOUTH AFRICAN BANK TO ROLL OUT MINI ATMS WITH BIOMETRIC ID
South Africa’s FNB has become the nation’s first bank to roll out mini ATMs that validate users via thumbprint, according to a report by Business Tech.
FNB TouchPoint ATMs offer cash withdrawals, transfers and payments, and statement review. They also allow users to purchase mobile airtime and electricity, and perform card cancellations,.
“The TouchPoint validates a customer’s identity by scanning a fingerprint placed on the biometric reader and it can detect false fingerprints to prevent fraud, FNB points of presence CEO Lee-Anne van Zyl said in the report. “The identity of the customer is then verified with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the self-service account opening complies with the relevant laws.”
“The introduction of biometric validation on self-service devices is an important step to making banking much more accessible to South African communities. As the use of biometric technology becomes more pervasive in the everyday life of customers, it’s important to use this technology to accelerate access to banking services.”
FNB intends to install 50 of the ATMs in branches and merchant locations in townships and rural communities over the next six months, the report said.
– Finextra –