First Bank of Nigeria plc has again lived up to its billing of being truly the first when in February this year it unveiled the pioneering biometric Automated Teller Machines, ATMs. The idea is to improve security of its customers’ transactions and to explore the unbanked segments of the economy. Interestingly, the new technology is expected to be available to existing cardholders who may wish to add biometric authentication on the bank’s ATMs as part of their transaction approval process. This is in addition to PIN selection. The new cardholders will automatically migrate to the new platform. According to the bank, the new cards will feature fingerprint authentication, meaning that even illiterates would benefit from it as they could be issued cards with only biometric authentication functionality. Mr. Bisi Onasanya, Group Managing Director of First Bank, said that “this development is consistent with the bank’s tradition of pioneering far-reaching innovations in the financial services industry, as they strive to continuously provide products and services that facilitate national growth and development. The biometric ATM initiative is a pioneering move by First Bank in the Nigeria banking industry for leveraging on the Customer Identification System, CIS, platform. The platform was launched at the bank’s head office in Marina, Lagos, just as it will be extended to its strategic outlets soon. Onasanya remarked that the bank intends to embark on a massive campaign to bring the new technology to the knowledge of the people. He said the bank acknowledges the fact that some people avoid the use of ATM because of the fraud issue. He also noted that with the added technology on biometric ATMs, it would be easier and safer for customers’ usage. Chuma Ezirin, Group Head, E-business at First Bank, noted that in the increasingly technology-driven business environment, the bank is keen on providing solutions that are relevant to its customers’ dynamic needs. The use of customers’ biometric features for authentication is to enhance security and also address challenges of migrating diverse segments of customers to electronic channels which provide convenience to customers. This is a great feat for the bank, especially now that fraud prevention and building customers’ confidence on the use of electronic channels are key customer acquisition and retention strategies. The biometric ATM solution is available to existing cardholders who may wish to add biometric authentication as part of their transaction approval process on the bank’s ATMs in addition to PIN selection, while systematically new cardholders would be issued cards with only biometric authentication functionality, noted Ezirin.
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Posted: at 12-04-2011 07:25 PM (12 years ago) | Addicted Hero
brendivas at 13-04-2011 02:16 AM (12 years ago) (f)
When you said 'even illiterates' would benefit from it, were you suggesting they were less than other humans? That phrase is derogatory.
Posted: at 13-04-2011 02:16 AM (12 years ago) | Upcoming
linkup2006 at 13-04-2011 05:31 AM (12 years ago) (m)
somebody please tell those that are living in abroad that doesn't believe that there is hope in that country to shut up.Let us all think positive about dis country all the times i know we will get to the top one day.GOD BLESS NIGERIA.
Posted: at 13-04-2011 05:31 AM (12 years ago) | Newbie
stankydessy at 13-04-2011 05:56 AM (12 years ago) (m)
wow it´s ok, so u guys means my Owo is being protected ruggedly and testedly...in the other hands 9ja na we we..oo waiting go happen to my Owo go happen, hahaha any ways thats gud it shows ur guys are really showing u capable in ur banking system, keep it glowing, first bank of Nigeria.
Posted: at 13-04-2011 05:56 AM (12 years ago) | Newbie
JACKyOFFF at 13-04-2011 10:06 AM (12 years ago) (m)
My GUY now i need security to protect my FINGERS,,,,no be this life yahoo plus go come cut my fingers cuz of ma own hard earned money ....As i tyoe this finish i dey go Eleran police station 2 police for one finger ......
Posted: at 13-04-2011 10:06 AM (12 years ago) | Newbie
abbeyy74 at 13-04-2011 11:16 AM (12 years ago) (f)
Quote from: JACKyOFFF on 13-04-2011 10:06 AM
My GUY now i need security to protect my FINGERS,,,,no be this life yahoo plus go come cut my fingers cuz of ma own hard earned money ....As i tyoe this finish i dey go Eleran police station 2 police for one finger ......
funny
Posted: at 13-04-2011 11:16 AM (12 years ago) | Gistmaniac