ASB to make 'selfie' ID a reality

Biometric technology a New Zealand banking first

ASB has announced it will launch a beta pilot of a biometric ASB ID mobile app at six of its south Auckland branches early next month.

ASB ID will make confirming a customer's identity as easy as taking a 'selfie' and a photo of their eligible driver licence or passport.  

Identifying and verifying new bank account customers automatically with biometrics is understood to be a New Zealand-banking first.  

From early May the ASB ID beta app will be tested and improved in-branch for eight weeks. Customers will be able to trial the beta ASB ID app on an in-branch iPhone, before the full app is available for download from mobile app stores. 

Ultimately the ASB ID app will allow new customers to open an ASB bank account in minutes, without visiting a branch.  

Biometrics in banking
Facial biometrics will be used to compare the selfie with the customer's photo ID, helping ensure the photo ID belongs to the customer. 

The secure digital process will allow new customers to open an ASB bank account from anywhere in New Zealand in approximately 15 minutes and start transacting the same day.

Currently, ASB customers can start the process to join ASB online, but must go in to a branch in person with documents proving their identity and address.

ASB executive general manager retail Russell Jones says the biometric technology is expected to reduce customer effort to open a bank account by 80 per cent.

"This is an exciting innovation, which certainly changes the way people can join ASB. As one of New Zealand's most-trusted financial institutions we take our responsibility to protect our customers and their businesses extremely seriously.

"The ASB ID app will give people options to join ASB, and our team members will have more time to spend on helpful conversations with customers, rather than paper work and data entry.

"Millions of Kiwis choose to bank with ASB and trust us to protect their financial aspirations and the personal data that comes with it," Mr Jones says.

The final ASB ID app will be available to customers within New Zealand who have joined ASB online, have eligible photo ID (a New Zealand driver licence, New Zealand passport or Australian passport) and a supported mobile phone.

ASB plans to add additional options and ID types so that even more customers can quickly and securely confirm their identity at their convenience. 

ASB worked with trusted identification verification service provider VIX Verify, to create the verification solution behind the ASB ID app. 

VIX Verify New Zealand reseller Ross Hughson says he has enjoyed working with ASB to deliver this innovative biometric solution for customers.

"We know biometrics can improve the customer experience, while also making it more efficient and safer for everyone. As a result, VIX Verify is investing in biometric capability so we can further enhance this solution with ASB," Mr Hughson says.