Wednesday 21 November 2018
Confirming customer identity is now as easy as taking a selfie, with the ASB ID mobile app.
The biometric app allows customers to verify their identity by comparing a photo of themselves and a photo of their
eligible drivers’ licence or passport, without having to go into a branch.
Earlier this year ASB ran a pilot programme in Auckland and Christchurch testing the biometric ID app, and now this safe
and secure digital process is available to new ASB customers from the comfort of home.
ASB acting executive general manager retail Claire McKinnon says customer and staff feedback from the pilot programme
was very positive, and highlighted the ease of use of the innovative app.
“During our pilot, there were a lot of comments about how convenient the ASB ID app was for people wanting to join
without the need to visit a branch. The app streamlines the process of opening an account with ASB, making it quicker
and easier for our customers,” McKinnon says.
“Providing more choices about where and when our customers can join ASB by using this biometric technology has been an
exciting innovation.”
Biometrics in banking
Facial biometrics are used to compare the selfie with the customer’s photo ID, ensuring the two match.
The secure digital process allows eligible new customers to open an ASB bank account from anywhere in New Zealand in
approximately 15 minutes, and start transacting the same day.
Previously, ASB customers could start the process to join online, but needed to go into a branch in person with
documents proving their identity and address.
The ASB ID app is available to customers within New Zealand who have joined online, have eligible photo ID (a New
Zealand drivers licence, New Zealand passport or Australian passport) and a supported mobile phone. Customers can
download the ASB ID app for Apple or Android.
ASB partnered with trusted identification verification service provider VIX Verify, to create the verification solution
behind the app.
VIX Verify New Zealand reseller Ross Hughson says he enjoyed working with ASB on the innovative biometric solution.
“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.”
For more information about ASB ID please visit https://www.asb.co.nz/banking-with-asb/asb-id-app.html
How does the ASB ID app work?
Eligible new ASB customers can use the ASB ID app to open a bank account without going into an ASB branch.
Customers will need eligible photo ID (a New Zealand drivers licence, New Zealand passport or Australian passport). They
will be able to confirm their identity using the ASB ID app, on a supported iPhone or Android mobile phone, using this
step-by-step process:
1. Complete the Join ASB form online, then download and log in to the ASB ID app
2. In the app, customers will be asked to take a photo of their eligible photo ID, and then take a selfie
3. The details from the customer’s photo ID will be automatically matched against records held by trusted external
providers
4. The customer’s selfie will be biometrically compared automatically to the photo on their ID. The result indicates how
likely that it is the same person in both photos
5. After final checks, ASB will email the customer when their account is ready to use. Customers will receive this email
on the same day.
ends