The UAE’s Emirates NBD bank has incorporated biometric technology into its mobile banking services. What does that mean for you?

Basically, the new ‘Smart Touch’ capability, enables customers to use their Apple iPhone Touch ID or Samsung Fingerprint Scanner option to log in securely to their Emirates NBD Mobile Banking App.

Services currently available with this log-in option include balances and statements, transaction history and summaries for chosen favourite accounts, however Emirates NBD said in a statement they plan to introduce additional services to the Smart Touch platform to enhance customer convenience.

Commenting on the new functionality, Suvo Sarkar, senior executive vice president & group head – retail banking and wealth management said: “Emirates NBD has taken the lead in offering the banking population in the UAE technologically advanced solutions that are safe, hassle-free and convenient.
“Our investment in a biometrics security capability for mobile banking is another first-to-market innovation and reflects our commitment to making banking better and safer for all our customers.”

Over the last few years, Emirates NBD has made significant investments to create a more enriching, personalised banking experience, leveraging cutting-edge technology in line with global best practice, as part of the bank’s commitment to offering customers convenient ‘on the go’ banking solutions that match their needs. With the increase in digitisation, the bank has also made significant investment in offering customers a safer banking environment.

Biometrics are widely accepted as the most fail-proof authentication system as it measures and analyses unique human body characteristics, minimising vulnerabilities of duplication as well as forgotten, lost or stolen passwords.

According to the bank, more than 20% of the bank’s active customer base use its mobile banking service to perform their banking transactions.