Online Banking

This community is for discussion of developments in the e-banking world, including mobile banking. This can include all the functional, business, technical, marketing, web site design, security and other related topics of Internet Banking segment, including public websites of the banks and financial institutions across the globe.

Retired Member 

Lending Controls, Yes - But The Cost Will Be High

Most old-fashioned lending bankers would probably see the belated recognition that we need to reintroduce lending controls as a step in the right direction. For some time now, some of us have argued that there should be limits placed on the amount people can borrow, both from a salary and loan-to-purchase value point of view. We should never hav...

23 February 2009 /regulation /retail

Retired Member 

Locks on Cards - And Not Before Time

The Handelsbanken announcement is most welcome. It's interesting how some ideas keep being revisited. I remember, a number of years ago, being involved in a feasibility study for a UK bank that wanted to do something similar. In the end, the technological challenges were too great at that time (and more important things pushed it down the prior...

04 February 2009 /retail

Uri Rivner CEO and Co-Founder at Refine Intelligence

EPS going down for fraudsters

In the current fraud eco system, being a harvesting fraudster is easier than ever – but the EPS - earning per scam - has gone down dramatically. This is particularly true for fraudsters focused on online banking fraud. In the early days of Phishing, the pricing model for stolen online banking credentials was not really established. You couldn't use...

29 January 2009 /security

Retired Member 

Are Card Readers Secure?

I'm sure it's okay really, and that it's just my lack of knowledge about the detail, but a conversation the other day meant I couldn't help wondering about the level of security we get with card readers, and there seems to be such a proliferation of them now. A friend of mine is now the 'proud' owner of four of the devices, sent to him by a number...

26 January 2009 /regulation

Retired Member 

Bank Compounds The Mailshot Insult

Incredible. As I indicated in a previous blog, I sent a letter to my bank seeking clarification about my credit standing with them after they had sent me a loan offer priced at the astronomical rate of 19.9%. I asked very clearly for a response that expressly addressed what had changed in my specific circumstances. You won't be surprised to hear ...

19 January 2009 /regulation /retail

Uri Rivner CEO and Co-Founder at Refine Intelligence

Unlucky 100,000

In light of the festive season I decided not to post anything about new threats and emerging headaches. Instead, I decided to shed some light on the work of the good guys. To the good guys! The post below is based on true events. * * * It was early afternoon time at the large, aquarium-shaped room. The set of huge LCD screens at the front of the Co...

16 December 2008 /security

Uri Rivner CEO and Co-Founder at Refine Intelligence

Curse of the Were-Laptop

Richmond, Virginia - Sunday 20:00 EST The storm outside sent wave after wave of heavy rain drops that banged on the large window, trickling down into the garden bushes below. Distant thunderclaps rolled, making the glass vibrate every other minute, not before the bright flashes of lightning lit Jack's study. Jack was browsing the Internet, severa...

24 November 2008 /security

Retired Member 

Premium Bonds Rate Cut Not Matched For Student Loans

I heard on the radio this morning that the prize fund for premium bonds has dropped. The reason given was because of the drop in interest rates, and so therefore the chances of winning money through this vehicle also had to drop. Yet again, those with money saved have seen a reduction in their return (albeit this one is a gamble, rather than a d...

19 November 2008 /retail

Retired Member 

Why Tax Cuts Shouldn't Work...

…at least in the format that HMG is considering. I understand they will be targeting cuts at the low-paid and indebted, which of course is a compassionate thing to do in the circumstances. To expect them to use the tax cut to increase their spending, however, is morally reprehensible. Any financial advisor worth his salt will instead advise the ...

18 November 2008 /retail

Retired Member 

Fraudsters Drive Convoluted Address Change Process

The other day I received a statement from a financial services company with whom I have a small amount of business. Nothing unusual in that, other than the accompanying leaflet that set out a new process they were adopting to deal with address changes. Back in the good old days, an address change could be accommodated by a trip to a bank branch, o...

12 November 2008 /retail