By M.V.A. Kumar
DOHA: Commercial Bank, Qatar’s first private bank, added another first to its credit yesterday by introducing the innovative high-tech ATMs in the region.
The new system will let the users withdraw money by pressing their finger on an infra-red reader that identifies them from the unique pattern of veins in their hand.
The bank announced yesterday it obtained Qatar Central Bank’s (QCB)approval to introduce new finger vein pattern recognition technology at its ATMs, which will allow customers to withdraw cash without a bank card or PIN number.
Implementation of the technology means customers will be able to use the new security feature to access their accounts at the ATMs with finger vein scanners installed, and the technology will be extended to corporate and VIP customers to access their Internet banking accounts using a finger vein scanner. Registration to use the finger vein scanning technology is free.
The technology maps the internal vein system within a finger, and will only accept a living finger unlike fingerprint scanning, meaning that authentication requires the customer to be present in person each and every time. The technology is secure and eliminates fraud as the pattern of blood vessels in fingers are unique to each individual and finger vein patterns cannot be reproduced or forged.
For finger vein scanning to access Internet Banking accounts, communication is encrypted between the scanner device and the host’s PC using a two-way authentication key. The technology is also highly accurate and rejection rates for users are amongst the lowest for biometric technology, making finger vein authentication a reliable and secure high-tech solution. Experts say that vein recognition is a more secure technology than fingerprint scanning, with the readers incorporating a “liveness” detection feature to ensure that a real hand is presented.
Abdulhadi Ahen, Acting Director,Banking, Payment & Settlement Systems, QCB, attended the first demonstration of the new finger vein technology.
Joseph Abraham, CEO, Commercial Bank, said: “Biometrics security features are an important tool to combat financial fraud and identity theft. Enhancing the client experience without compromising customer security is a priority at Commercial Bank. Introducing finger vein scanning technology to the local market and region is not only innovative but also provides an effective way for customers to access their accounts securely without the need for a card or PIN. Commercial Bank is proud to introduce another ‘first to market’ technology to the Middle East and we are committed to a continual investment in technology as part of our digital transformation journey to provide the best and safest experience for our loyal customers.”
George Flouros, NCR IMEA Vice President for Financial Industry said: “NCR empowers customers and enterprises to do business on their own terms backed by our innovations that make banking easier and more convenient. It indeed gives us immense pleasure to partner with Commercial Bank in their digital transformation journey of bringing true omni-channel solutions over the next few years, and the introduction of the first ever finger vein authentication technology to the region reiterates our commitment.”
The Peninsula
