Belgians go biometric!
Ever thought about entering your mobile banking app with just the touch of your fingertip? What may seem futuristic has just become reality in Belgium.
In a country and company first, ING Belgium announced the launch of a biometrics initiative to make mobile banking easier, quicker and safer.
It’s the stuff futurologists talk about. Biometrics, or identification via fingerprints and other body parts. Keen to be an early adapter, ING Belgium hasn’t wasted any time finding a way to integrate the technology into its mobile banking application.
Its introduction could spell the end of easy-to-forget passwords.
From 1 December, iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users will be able to access the Smart Banking app using their fingerprints instead of a log-in code.
Lieven Haesaert, responsible for Belgium’s Direct Channels described the introduction as a breakthrough especially given that earlier this year, Information Week magazine had predicted biometrics as a means of identification would be adopted in 2016.
“Our customers don’t have to wait until then,” Lieven said.
“We constantly look at trends in society, listen to what customers want and use new technologies to better serve their needs. This is always a balancing act, but biometrics helps in making things quicker, more intuitive and safer.”
A great example of innovation that helps customers stay a step ahead, the new service was presented at a press event, together with independent British futurologist Ian Pearson.
For more information on how ING Belgium sets the standard in digital banking and Ian Pierson’s view on the future of mobile banking, see this presentation.