New Zealand's ASB is speeding up the customer onboarding process with the introduction of biometric facial recognition technology.
Earlier this year ASB ran a pilot programme in Auckland and Christchurch testing a biometric ID app developed by VIX Verify that enables customers to verify their identity by comparing a photo of themselves and a photo of their eligible drivers’ licence or passport.
ASB acting executive general manager retail Claire McKinnon says customer and staff feedback from the pilot programme was very positive: “During our pilot, there were a lot of comments about how convenient the ASB ID app was for people wanting to join without the need to visit a branch. The app streamlines the process of opening an account with ASB, making it quicker and easier for our customers.”
The secure digital process allows eligible new customers to open an ASB bank account from anywhere in New Zealand in approximately 15 minutes, she says, and start transacting the same day.
Previously, ASB customers could start the process to join online, but needed to go into a branch in person with documents proving their identity and address.