FNB launches South Africa’s first biometric mini-ATM

FNB has become the first bank in South Africa to introduce a mini-ATM that uses biometrics as a means of validation for consumers.

The ATM functions as a self-service kiosk from which customers can conduct transactional banking such as withdrawals, transfers and payments, view statements, purchase airtime and electricity and perform card cancellations. The device is known as TouchPoint.

New account opening by reading a consumer’s thumb print

“The TouchPoint validates a customer’s identity by scanning a fingerprint placed on the biometric reader and it can detect false fingerprints to prevent fraud. The identity of the customer is then verified with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure the self-service account opening complies with the relevant laws,” (Lee-Anne van Zyl, CEO of FNB Points of Presence).

Driving foot-traffic to local retailers

“The introduction of biometric validation on self-service devices is an important step to making banking much more accessible to South African communities. As the use of biometric technology becomes more pervasive in the everyday life of customers, it’s important to use this technology to accelerate access to banking services” (Lee-Anne van Zyl).

FBN aims to place the devices in branches, community retailers in townships and rural areas across South Africa. A total of 50 TouchPoint devices will be introduced in select townships during the next 6 months.

The company believes that its service will drive foot-traffic to local retailers and other small businesses, and help them to provide increased value to customers.

Source: Businesstech