Getin goes for biometric signature verification in virtual branch roll-out
Getin’s VTM expands the services available to customers through finger vein biometrics
Poland’s Getin Bank has implemented biometric signature verification in a roll-out of unstaffed remote branches using Virtual Teller Machines under its Getin Point brand. The technology allows customers to carry out banking tasks that require a signature without having to go to a traditional branch.
At the heart of the service is finger vein biometric authentication, developed by Hitachi, and a Wincor Nixdorf ATM device that incorporates a document scanner. Both companies worked with the bank to develop the system.
VTM services, positioned by their advocates as the next generation of ATMs or kiosk banking, allow customers to perform branch operations that basic ATMs cannot handle such as payment of bills, setting up deposits accounts, account transfers and instant issuance of payment cards. Customers can request support from bank consultants through video-conferencing – the VTM branches are remotely monitored.
In order to provide a full range of services without branch staff intervention, security is a key element. The Getin Point VTM has an identification document scanner that allows remote bank staff to validate customer ID, and a secure hand-writing tablet for handwritten signatures.
Hitachi’s Finger Vein authentication technology is becoming a popular method of authentication in Poland, where there are more than 120,000 active users, it has previously been used primarily in ATMs and bank branches. Using it for signature verification is a first, says Getin, which has previously worked with Hitachi and Wincor Nixdorf when Hitachi’s Finger Vein biometric authentication was installed in its branch network.
“In recent years, instead of theorising we have focused on real implementations of the most innovative banking solutions,” said Adam Matyaszek, vice president, general manager of banking at Wincor Nixdorf in Poland. “The VTM project at Getin Bank is the beginning of our joint expansion with Hitachi in the Polish market for banking innovation using biometrics in self-service devices. I can assure that this will not be our last surprise for the Polish market this year,” said Adam Matyaszek, vice president, general manger of banking at Wincor Nixdorf.
The Polish banks have a reputation for innovation in retail banking. Last year Getin was the winner in the Best Use of Mobile in Financial Services Category of the Banking Technology Awards while its compatriot Alior Bank scooped the Best Use of IT in Retail Banking trophy.
